MIDDLE PATH REGIMEN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC DISLOCATION OF KNEE JOINT WITH VASCULAR DEFICIT.
Background: Dislocation of the knee joint is one of the most under-reported orthopaedic emergencies due to its ability to undergo spontaneous reduction. It carries a high risk of involving the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve both acutely, or in the long term. Due to this catastrophic potential of the condition, it has been well established that it warrants prompt diagnosis and management. It may be secondary to ultra-low, low or high velocity trauma which makes every dislocation case unique due to involvement of different joint structures, capsule or fractures of the articulating bones. A broad spectrum of treatment modalities (both conservative and surgical) has been documented for this condition, with the latter showing better results across most studies. In developing countries like India, the nancial chasm is relatively bigger with a major chunk of the population unable to bear the cost of complete surgical management. Objective: To assess the functional outcome in patients with frank knee dislocations with multiligamentous injuries and vascular decit treated by a middle path regimen of an extended period of external xator and immobilization. Method: A prospective study was undertaken from January 2018 to July 2020 involving 10 patients with knee joint dislocations with vascular decit and multiligamentous injury, treated by an extended period of external xator application and immobilization. Fasciotomy was done wherever needed, in association with split thickness skin grafting. The assessments were made using Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS), International Knee Documentation Committee Scores (IKDC), range of motion (ROM), antero- posterior tibial translation (AP translation) and overall patient satisfaction on every follow-up. Results: The mean LKSS score was 78.3±6.23, mean IKDC score was 68.17±5.34, mean ROM progressively increased to 135.8⁰ with a mean extension lag of 2.2⁰, while the mean AP tibial translation was noted to be 9.16 mm. No poor result or complication was reported. Conclusion: The middle path regimen provides an affordable alternative for providing a stable knee to patients who are ill-affording and are expected to have a sedentary lifestyle, without indulging into rigorous activities