A retrospective analysis of twenty two cases of floating knee

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> With increase in road traffic accidents, incidence of floating knee injuries is increasing day by day. Along with bony injuries, multiorgan injuries are generally present which require urgent intervention. Despite advance in surgical management and implants, achieving a good functional knee still remains a challenge to the surgeons.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This retrospective study was conducted to assess management, functional outcome and complications of patient presenting with floating knee injury to a tertiary care centre. 22 patients with floating knee injury admitted in trauma centre from 2017 to 2019 were analysed and functional assessment was done.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Males with mean age 33.5 years were exclusively victims of road traffic accident. 14 patients presented with multisystem injury. After stabilization fractures were fixed with nails/plates/screws. Knee stiffness was most common complication seen in 37% cases. Functional assessment was done using modified Karlstrom Olerud criteria which revealed excellent results in 22.7% cases while poor results in 18.2% cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong>Floating knee injury is not merely bony injury but a multisystem injury and should be managed on principles of Damage control Orthopaedics. Regarding bony injuries, achieving union and acceptable range of motion remains the prime target. </p>