Radiology and management of multiligament injuries of the knee

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2011 Feb;15(1):42-58. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1271958. Epub 2011 Feb 17.

Abstract

Multiligament injury of the knee, which may include joint dislocation, is a severe injury that can devastate knee function. It usually results in rupture of three of the four major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, but occasionally only two of the ligaments are torn. Evaluation and management is made more complex due to associated articular and meniscal cartilage injury, bony fractures, and neurovascular injury. What is considered best treatment is often varied and controversial. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of multiligament knee injury and the role of imaging in the context of the published literature and our own experience.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Knee Injuries / therapy*
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis