Knee Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Knee Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

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Focused Health Topics
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+2 moreJun 23, 2023

Introduction

A knee dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of their normal position. This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of knee dislocation.

Causes:

A knee dislocation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Traumatic injury, such as a car accident or sports injury.
  • Falls from a height.
  • Severe twisting of the knee joint.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of knee dislocation may include:

  • Severe pain and swelling in the knee joint.
  • The knee joint appears deformed or out of place.
  • Difficulty or inability to move the knee joint.
  • Numbness or tingling in the foot or lower leg.
  • Discoloration or bruising around the knee joint.
  • A popping or tearing sound at the time of the injury.

Diagnosis:

A healthcare provider can diagnose a knee dislocation through a physical examination, X-rays, and other imaging tests. The healthcare provider will assess the following:

  • The position of the knee joint.
  • The extent of the injury.
  • The presence of any fractures or other injuries.

Treatment:

Treatment for knee dislocation depends on the severity of the injury. The following treatment options are available:

  • Closed reduction: This is a procedure in which the healthcare provider manually repositions the bones of the knee joint back into their normal position. This is usually performed under anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair any ligament, tendon or nerve damage caused by the dislocation. Surgery may also be needed if the knee joint is unstable or if there are fractures.
  • Immobilization: The knee joint may need to be immobilized with a brace or cast to allow it to heal.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the knee joint.

Recovery:

Recovery from knee dislocation can take several weeks to several months depending on the severity of the injury. The following steps may be taken to aid in the recovery process:

  • Rest and elevation of the knee joint.
  • Ice therapy to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Medications for pain management.
  • Physical therapy exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the knee joint.

In some cases, knee dislocation can lead to long-term complications, such as chronic pain, instability, and arthritis.

Conclusion:

Knee dislocation is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. It can be caused by traumatic injury, falls, or severe twisting of the knee joint. The symptoms of knee dislocation include severe pain and swelling, difficulty moving the knee joint, and numbness or tingling in the foot or lower leg. Treatment options include closed reduction, surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy. Recovery can take several weeks to several months, and in some cases, long-term complications may occur.

Hashtags: #KneeDislocation #SportsInjury #TraumaticInjury #ClosedReduction #Surgery #PhysicalTherapy #Recovery

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

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