knee dislocation

Last reviewed 01/2018

A dislocation of the knee can generally only occur when there is an injury involving considerable violence e.g. a road accident. In a dislocation of the knee the cruciate ligaments are and torn as well as one or both collateral ligaments.

The patient presents with a very painful knee, severe bruising, swelling and knee deformity. There may be injury to the popliteal artery or nerve.

There may be fractures of the tibial spine or the tip of the fibula due to ligament avulsion.