Pure Obturator Dislocation of the Hip, a Rare Variety of Regular Dislocations, and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic knee dislocation is considered an orthopedic emergency. Knee dislocations are relatively infrequent injuries. This injury frequently occurs from high-energy impact trauma. Neurovascular injuries can result in debilitating consequences if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Associated complications include degenerative arthritis, permanent neurovascular injury, and amputation. The poorest prognosis is seen in patients with knee dislocation longer than 6-8 hours before reduction. History: The 25-year-old male patient presented with a history of a road traffic accident to the emergency department. The patient presented with swelling, pain, and deformity of the left knee and leg. Examination: On examination, the patient had tense swelling and tenderness of the left knee joint and leg. Visible deformity of the left knee joint is seen. The posterior tibial artery and dorsalispedis artery were not palpable. Active ankle and toe movements were absent. Investigations: Plain radiograph was taken at the emergency department of the left knee and leg. X-rays showed anterior dislocation of the knee joint. Treatment: After valid written informed consent, the dislocated left knee joint was reduced under sedation in the operation theatre and immobilized in the above knee plaster slab. Reduction of the knee joint was done within 4 hours of injury. Then the distal pulses were re-assessed. The posterior tibial and dorsalispedis artery was absent. Hence, MR Angiography of the left lower limb was done. It showed popliteal artery transection. So, the artery was explored and end-to-end vascular anastomosis was done. A knee-spanning external fixator was applied to the left lower limb. Fasciotomy was done for the tense leg compartments. After a week, the fasciotomy wounds were infected for which extensive debridement of the wounds was done and antibiotic beads were placed. Knee was mobilized with a gradual range of motion exercises and non-weight bearing mobilization with a foot drop splint. Gradually full weight-bearing ambulation was allowed. Conclusion: Knee dislocation is rare, albeit a serious and potentially limb-threatening condition. The prognosis of knee dislocations is variable and is heavily dependent on the time interval between trauma and initiation of management. Immediate, timely, and proper management can salvage the limb, and amputation is not the only solution. Keywords: Dislocation, Posterior tibial artery, Fasciotomy