[Amputation as a treatment for complications on a traumatic dislocations of the knee. Case report].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Vascular lesion associated with knee dislocation represents a common and potentially devastating complication. A delay in revascularization that exceeds 8 hours can lead to amputation of the extremity. Therefore it is mandatory to do an immediate examination and an effective diagnosis to rule out this complication.

CASE REPORT:

A 19-year-old male was struck by a motor vehicle and caused traumatic dislocation of the left knee as observed on X-rays. The knee was reduced immediately. At 12 hours, the patient presented edema on the extremity and was then stabilized with external fixators. On the third day the patient developed a compartmental syndrome and artery obstruction, and required fasciotomies and revascularization of the popliteal artery. Twenty four hours later, again the artery was obstructed, conducing to supracondylar amputation.

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this article is to show that a knee dislocation, with vascular complications, may lead to extremity amputation as a drastic treatment. It is important to emphasize that vigilance of vascular permeability has to be followed every 2-3 hours, for at least 72 hours after the injury, and assisted with Doppler study. And if needed, at the moment when a pulse abnormality is detected an arteriography study must be realized.

• Authors: Mauricio E Garnica Morón, Carlos Caballero Zanbrana, Einar Garnica Morón, Alejandro Bello González, Humberto Vives Aceves, José Luis Rosas Cadena
• Journal: Acta ortopedica mexicana (Acta Ortop Mex) 2008 May-Jun Vol. 22 Issue 3 Pg. 198-203 ISSN: 2306-4102 [Print] Mexico
• Vernacular Title: Amputación como tratamiento de complicaciones de la luxación traumática de rodilla. Presentación de un caso.
• PMID: 18826085 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Amputation, Surgical
• Arterial Occlusive Diseases (etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Knee Dislocation (complications, surgery)
• Male