J Knee Surg 2012; 25(04): 275-286
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1322598
Special Focus Section
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Initial Evaluation of the Acute and Chronic Multiple Ligament Injured Knee

Timothy Ryan Vinyard
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Park Nicollet Clinic, TRIA Orthopaedic Center, Bloomington, Minnesota
,
Joel Boyd
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Park Nicollet Clinic, TRIA Orthopaedic Center, Bloomington, Minnesota
,
Peter B. MacDonald
2   Department of Orthopaedics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 April 2012

20 May 2012

Publication Date:
04 August 2012 (online)

Abstract

Multiple ligament injuries of the knee are rare, and severe injuries are often present following a knee dislocation. Appropriate initial evaluation and management is of critical importance for maximizing the potential outcome and avoiding disastrous consequences associated with these difficult injuries. While many of these injuries present acutely in an emergency department or clinic, presentation on a delayed basis is not uncommon. Injuries can present in a variety of situations, such as an isolated knee injury in an athlete or as part of a multisystem-injured trauma patient. In this publication, we review the etiology, classification, and comprehensive initial evaluation of the acute and chronic multiple-ligament injured knee.

 
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