Dr. Richard Cunningham of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is a top knee surgeon in Colorado, providing expert care and guidance. Today he answers the question: “Does a dislocated knee require surgery?” In this post, we’ll explore specifics of knee dislocation treatment and help clarify when surgery might be necessary.
Understanding Knee Dislocation
A knee dislocation is a very serious, traumatic injury that occurs when the bottom end of the thigh bone (femur) shifts out of alignment with the upper end of the shin bone (tibia). This almost always happens as a result of high energy trauma, such as a car accident or a player being tackled awkwardly in football. Patients know immediately that they suffered a very serious injury. They have severe pain, they cannot comfortably bear weight on the knee and they quickly develop severe swelling of the knee. These injuries require emergent medical attention.
Dr. Cunningham explains, “Knee dislocations are not as common as other knee injuries, but they are much more severe and can lead to long-term complications or even loss of limb if not treated urgently and properly.”
When is Surgery Necessary for a Dislocated Knee?
When a knee dislocates, the majority of the ligaments that stabilize the knee are torn. There are often nerve and/or vascular injuries associated with knee dislocations. Just as knee ligaments tear when a knee dislocates, the force from the injury can tear the major nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the lower leg. It is very important to be evaluated to determine if there is a vascular injury, as one could lose their limb if blood supply is not restored within 6 hours of the injury. If there is a nerve injury, some people cannot lift their foot or their toes. In many instances, these nerve injuries are stretch injuries and the nerves can slowly heal and recover over time. However, in other cases if the nerve has ruptured, there is often not much that can be done to repair the torn nerve, and patients may need tendon transfer surgery in the future to help restore some of the lost function.
After emergently evaluating the vascular and nerve structures, then the ligaments can be evaluated to determine the extent of their injury. Dr. Cunningham notes, “knee dislocations usually cause the rupture of most if not all of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee including the ACL, PCL, MCL and/or LCL. If untreated, one’s knee will be grossly unstable. Therefore, surgery is almost always required to reconstruct these multiply torn ligaments of the knee in order to make the knee joint stable once again.”
Post-Surgical Considerations
If surgery is deemed necessary, the road to recovery is long. Post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial for protecting the reconstructed ligaments and to regain mobility and strength in the knee. Dr. Cunningham emphasizes, “A comprehensive physical therapy program is essential after surgery to ensure that the knee heals properly and that you regain good function.”
Consulting with a Knee Specialist
If you’ve suffered a dislocated knee, it’s important to consult with an orthopedic knee specialist who can evaluate the extent of the injury and recommend the best course of action. Dr. Cunningham advises, “Prompt evaluation and treatment are key to preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.”
Most patients who suffer a knee dislocation require surgery. The decision should be made in consultation with an experienced orthopedic knee surgeon who can guide you through the knee dislocation treatment.
For those dealing with a dislocated knee, Dr. Cunningham and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery are here to provide expert care and support every step of the way. Contact Dr. Cunningham and his team today.