Multiple ligament injury management

Abstract

Knee dislocations were previously thought to be relatively uncommon injuries. However, the prevalence of multiligament knee injuries appears to be increasing. These numbers may be a factor of increased participation by the public in extreme sports, improved trauma assessment and care, or changes to air bags and auto design. They may also be due to an increased awareness of doctors to this diagnosis. Previously, the definition of knee dislocation was rather ambiguous. Combined with physical presentation of spontaneous reduction and a guarded clinical exam, knee dislocations are challenging to detect. MRI has improved our ability to diagnose these injuries.