Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)
Introduction. Floating knee injuries are a result of high energy trauma and may be associated with life-threatening injuries. Frequently the fractures patterns are complex with serious injuries of the soft tissues. Management of associated life-threatening injuries should take precedence over the orthopedic injury. A risk adapted damage control orthopedics should be apply to all polytrauma patients with floating knee depending on their age ISS, GCS and the soft tissue status of the extremities.
Case history and clinical findings. The patient is a 29 years old male, admitted in the emergency after a motorcycle accident. The orthopedic examination and the ex-rays revealed a Gustillo-Anderson/GA/ II bilocular open fracture of the right femur/AO/ASIF 31.B2+32.B3/, a GA II fracture of the right tibial plateau/ Schatzker V/, a patella multifragmented fracture and fracture of the right distal tibia and fibula / AO/ASIF 43.A1/ and injury of n. Peroneus.
Therapy and Progressions. After wound debridement and temporary stabilization of the fractures the patient was transferred to the ICU. With improvement of the general condition, 7 days after the accident all fractures were stabilized in one stage: anterograde intramedullary nail for the femur fractures, plate fixation for tibia and fibula, and screw and cerclage fixation for patella.
Compression from the foot orthesis in the area of fibula fracture and the loss of sensation led to operative wound dehiscentio and deep infection. The latter was treated with multiple debridements, i.v. antibiotics, application of V.A.C and dermal flap.
RESULTS: All fractures healed between the 3rd and 5th postoperative month.Full recovery of nerve function is assessed 5 months post injury. According to Karlstrom and Olerud functional scale excellent result is assessed.
Disclosure: Do you have a significant financial interest, consultancy or other relationship with products, manufacturer(s) of products or providers of services related to this abstract? (If not, please enter "No" in the text field.)
I have no financial interest.