Surgical management of the multiple-ligament injured knee: a case series from Chongqing, China and review of published reports.

OBJECTIVE

The correct management of multiple-ligament injured knees (MLIKs) remains controversial. This study aimed to summarize the epidemiological features and short-term results of patients treated in our department.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients diagnosed with MLIKs from 2009 to 2011 were enrolled. Relevant patient characteristics and clinical variables were analyzed to characterize the epidemiology. A surgical algorithm based on a knee dislocation classification system and postoperative rating scales, including Lysholm and Tegner rating, as well as joint mobility, stability and radiography were collected for functional evaluation at 2.5-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The epidemiological profile demonstrated that 30- to 50-year-old men were at the highest risk. The primary causes were vehicle accidents and falls and most common injury type cruciate combined collateral ligament injuries. Final follow-up analysis comparing operative versus conservative management and surgically treated mild versus severe MLIKs showed significant differences in Lysholm and Tegner scale scores, as well as knee mobility and stability.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic outcome of MLIKs depends on various clinical variables and a surgical algorithm. Satisfactory restoration of function was acquired in the majority of our surgically treated MLIK cases; however, most patients had not achieved their pre-injury activity levels by the follow-up endpoint.