Controversies in the treatment of knee dislocations and multiligament reconstruction.

Overview

A systematic approach to evaluation and treatment is needed for the patient with knee dislocation. There is a paucity of high-level evidence on which to base treatment decisions. Reported controversies related to the treatment of the multiligament-injured knee include the selective use of arteriography for vascular assessment, serial physical examination with the ankle-brachial index, acute surgical treatment of all damaged structures, the selective application of preoperative and postoperative joint-spanning external fixation, arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament, simultaneous open reconstruction with repair of the posterolateral corner, reconstruction and/or repair of the posteromedial corner, and the use of allograft tissue.