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May 16, 2012
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Knee Dislocation

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Knee Dislocation Overview

A knee dislocation occurs when the bones that form the knee are out of place. A knee dislocation, more specifically, is when the bones of the leg (the tibia and fibula) are moved in relation to the bone in the thigh (femur). The bones of the knee are held together by strong bands of tissue called ligaments. Each ligament is responsible for stabilizing the knee in a certain position. For a knee dislocation to occur, these ligaments must tear. A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation. In some injuries, the kneecap (patella) and its ligaments are also disrupted.

Inappropriate or delayed treatment of a knee dislocation may result in loss of the leg.

Picture of knee dislocations plus ligament and artery damages
Figure 1. Picture of knee dislocations plus ligament and artery damages. SOURCE: Medscape
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Knee Dislocation - Symptoms

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What symptoms did you experience with your knee dislocation?

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Knee Dislocation

Knee Pain Introduction

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to their doctor. With today's increasingly active society, the number of knee problems is increasing. Knee pain has a wide variety of causes and treatments.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint's main function is to bend and straighten for moving the body. The knee is more than just a simple hinge. It also twists and rotates. In order to perform all of these actions and to support the entire body while doing so, the knee relies on a number of structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

  • Bones
    • The knee joint involves three bones.
    • The thighbone or femur comprises the top portion of the joint.
    • One of the bones in the lower leg (calf area), the tibia, provides the bottom portion of the joint.
    • The kneecap or patella rides along the front of the...

Read the Knee Pain article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Dislocations, Knee »

Knee dislocation is a relatively rare injury but an important one to recognize because coexistent vascular injury, if missed, often leads to limb loss.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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