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Knee Dislocation, Tibia Femur

Injury to the knee joint in which the upper and lower leg bones are displaced and no longer touch each other. Knee dislocations often include torn or ruptured ligaments in the knee.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Tibia (large lower leg bone), femur (thigh bone) and patella (kneecap).
• Ligaments of the knee joint.
• Meniscus (cartilage) of the knee joint.
• Soft tissue surrounding the dislocated knee, including periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

• Overextension of the knee.
• Direct blow to the tibia.
• Direct blow to the thigh, driving the knee to either side.
• End result of a severe knee sprain.
• Congenital knee abnormality, such as shallow or malformed joint surfaces.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe knee pain at the time of injury.
• Loss of function of the knee, and severe pain when attempting to move it.
• Visible deformity if the dislocated bones have locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising around the knee.
• Numbness or paralysis below the dislocation.

Exams and Tests

Depending on how the knee looks, you can expect the doctor to check the injury in the following ways:

• X-rays: X-rays will be taken to make sure there are no breaks in the bone.
• Examination of pulses: Injury to the arteries in the knee is common with this injury. The doctor will make sure there are pulses in your foot (the place the artery in your knee runs to).
• Medical history.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental

After removal of the cast or splint:

• Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
• Apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better.Use heat lamps,hot soaks,hot showers, heating pads or whirlpool treatments.
• Wrap the injured knee with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or muscle relaxants prior to joint manipulation.
• Acetaminophen to relieve moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if surgery is necessary.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up adequately before physical activity .
• After healing, wear protective equipment such as special knee pads and knee braces during participation in contact sports.