A dislocated knee is considered a very serious injury. It typically results from high-force trauma such as car accidents, severe falls, or sports injuries. The knee being dislocated means the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) lose their normal contact, often damaging multiple ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves around the joint. This injury can cause severe pain, deformity, swelling, and loss of function like inability to walk. It also poses risks of vascular injury, meaning blood supply to the lower leg can be compromised, potentially leading to tissue death and even amputation if not treated promptly. Nerve damage is also common and needs evaluation. Treatment often requires emergency reduction of the dislocation followed by surgery and rehabilitation. Therefore, a dislocated knee demands immediate medical attention and is more serious than a simple kneecap dislocation, with potential long-term complications such as instability, arthritis, or nerve injury if not managed properly.
