A dislocated knee is a severe and often traumatic injury where the bones of the knee joint are completely knocked out of alignment. It causes intense pain, swelling, visible deformity, and inability to move or bear weight on the leg. It often damages ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves around the knee, making it an emergency that usually requires surgical intervention to prevent long-term complications such as instability or even amputation if blood flow is compromised.
Severity and Symptoms
A knee dislocation is extremely painful and may be accompanied by a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury. The knee may appear bent or twisted in an unnatural direction, swollen, bruised, and hot to touch. There may be numbness or tingling if nerves are affected. The patient often cannot walk or stand due to instability and pain.
Urgency and Complications
Knee dislocations are considered surgical emergencies, primarily because of the risk of vascular injury—damage to blood vessels—that can threaten limb circulation. If untreated, severe complications include permanent knee instability, nerve damage (especially to the peroneal nerve), stiffness known as arthrofibrosis, blood clots, and in worst cases, amputation. Prompt diagnosis, usually involving imaging, and treatment are crucial for preserving knee function and limb viability.
Recovery Outlook
The knee rarely returns to its pre-injury condition fully, and many cases require surgery to repair ligaments and other damaged structures. Early mobilization post-treatment is encouraged to reduce stiffness and promote healing.
In summary, a dislocated knee is a very serious and painful injury with potential for severe complications, requiring immediate medical attention and often surgical repair for the best chance of recovery.
