J Knee Surg 2015; 28(03): 247-254
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1386579
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

How Do Spanning External Fixators on Knee Dislocation Patients Affect the Use of MRI and Knee Stability?

Pooya Javidan
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
,
Joshua Owen
2   Department of Radiology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
,
Adnan Cutuk
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
,
Tracy Watson
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
,
Scott Kaar
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

23. Februar 2014

25. Juni 2014

Publikationsdatum:
28. Juli 2014 (online)

Abstract

This study sought to determine the following: (1) Does the external fixator compromise quality of imaging obtained? (2) How do findings from the evaluation under anesthesia at the time of external fixator removal compare with the initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings? This was a retrospective study of a consecutive patient series at an academic level 1 trauma center. There were 19 consecutive patients with traumatic knee dislocations and spanning external fixator applied. Each patient had a knee MRI with the external fixator in place and examination at the time of external fixator removal. A review of knee stability at the time of external fixator removal with physical examination and stress fluoroscopy were performed. Our study revealed only minor incidence of poorly visualized structures. Clinical stability was present after fixator removal in only 11 of 14 medial collateral ligament tears, 4 of 16 lateral collateral ligament tears, 1 of 19 anterior cruciate ligament tears and 3 of 19 posterior cruciate ligament tears. MRI is a useful imaging modality in the setting of knee dislocations placed in spanning external fixators. Patients' knees largely remain unstable after external fixator removal.

 
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