Outcomes of Surgical Management of Floating Knee Injuries

Abstract

Introduction: Floating knee, referred to as ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia, is usually associated with several complications and mortality. This study was designed to present our experience with treatment of this injury. Demographic parameters like age, sex, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, method and results of treatment, and complications of floating knee are discussed Material and Methods: This Prospective study was performed between January 2014-July 2016. All patients with floating knee injuries who were admitted to the PMCH fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The information about the 20 cases of floating knee injuries were gathered, particularly the demographic parameters, mode of injury, bones involved, condition of skin, other associated injuries and their neurovascular status. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year duration and functional outcome was assessed. Result: Most of the patients were between 21-30years of age (45%). The floating knee injuries were more common in males (85%). FraserType I fracture was observed in 70% of cases. Roadtraffic accidents(RTA) was the most common cause of such injuries. 18 out of 20(90%) cases were having associated injuries while only 10%were cases of isolated floating knee. The most common early and late complications were infection and knee stiffness respectively. The final outcome as per Karlstrom criteria was excellent and good in 11 out of 14 cases of Fraser type I fracture and in 3 out of 6 cases of Fraser type II fracture, and this was statistically significant (P=0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that the complication rate associated with floating knee injuries remain high and the prognosis mostly depends on type of injury and associated injuries. This study also advocates early aggressive approach for management of these injuries.