A Chronic Posterolateral Knee and Patella Dislocation: Case Report

Knee dislocations are uncommon as isolated orthopaedic injuries, but their prevalence is increased in the setting of high-energy multiple trauma. In these circumstances, it is important for the orthopaedic clinician to recognize and appropriately treat the knee dislocation in parallel with other significant injuries. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman who was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained multiple injuries in addition to a posterolateral knee dislocation. An attempt at reduction was made in the initial trauma setting, and the patient was medically stabilized. She was discharged from the hospital in a splint with orthopaedic follow-up and presented 3 months after injury with all unreduced posterolateral dislocation. A single-stage operation was performed with reduction and stabilization of the knee. Postoperatively, the patient has done well and regained significant range of motion.