DIAGNOSIS
The knee should be stabilized first. This means that your knee would have to be re-positioned to minimize the skin pressure, blood vessels, and nerves in the affected area. After this, your doctor will check the extent of your knee’s injury through a series of tests.
To assess the extent of a dislocated knee, your doctor will check the pulse in different places on your leg and knee.
It is also vital to check your legs through the following tests:
- Blood pressure through the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The blood pressure measured in your arm is then compared to the blood pressure taken in your ankle. Low ABI means that blood is flowing poorly on your lower extremities. Your doctor will check the sensation between your unaffected leg and an injured leg, together with a look at your skin color and temperature.
- Electromyography (EMG) to check the muscles and nerves that control your knee.
Of course, we still have the X-ray and MRI to help your doctor diagnose any damage on the bones, ligaments, or tendons of your knee.
If needed, you may also undergo an arteriogram, a technique used to assess the damage in your blood vessel.
TREATMENT
Through the process called reduction, your kneecap will be moved back to its proper place. You’ll be given a sedative so that you won’t feel pain. Your leg will then be transferred to have the kneecap go back to its proper place. After this, you’ll wear a brace to help keep your knee stable. You might also need to undergo surgery for any damaged ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels. More importantly, you need immediate surgery if your blood vessels are damaged.
There is also an option for a more conservative treatment if the joint is stable after reduction, absence of nerve or blood vessel damage, and the collateral knee ligaments (LCL and LCL) are intact. While conservative treatment can help stabilize the knee, it can also cause stiffness and future joint problems.
Whatever treatment you choose, you will still undergo physical therapy after. The rehabilitation depends on the severity of your injury and the kind of treatment you got.
The Outlook For People Who’ve Had A Dislocated Knee
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to the recovery of a dislocated knee. This is because of complications such as compartment syndrome and deep vein thrombosis.
Early detection of damaged blood vessels is essential to avoid amputation above the knee, likewise for nerve damage. With early diagnosis and treatment, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Rehabilitation of a dislocated knee can last from 9 to 12 months.
