Abstract
Objective
Floating knee injuries are complex injuries and are usually caused by highvelocity trauma. These injuries are often associated with life treating injuries, which should take precedent over extremity injuries. The authors reviewed the outcomes of floating knee injuries managed in this institute from 2003 to 2015.
Method
A retrospective study was conducted of all patients with floating knee injuries from2003 to 2015. Twelve patients were included in the study. Data related to fracture type, associated injuries, treatmentmodalities, and complications were noted. Functional assessment was performed using themodified Karlstromand Olerud criteria after complete bony union.
Result
The mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident in all patients. The mean follow up was four years. The mean age of patients was 34.75 year. The mean union time was 6.5 months in femurs and 6.7 month in tibias. The complications were knee stiffness, delayed union, and infection. According to modified Karlstrom criteria, there were three - excellent, five - good, three - fair, and one poor result.
Conclusion
Floating knee injuries are severe injuries and are usually associated withmultiorgan injuries. Early detection and appropriate management of associated injuries, early fixation of fractures, and postoperative rehabilitation are needed for good outcome. Complications are frequent, in the form of delayed union, knee stiffness, and infection.
Keywords:
femoral fractures; tibial fractures; knee injuries; fracture fixation
