Intramedullary nailing of concurrent ipsilateral fractures of the tibia and femur: primary synchronous nailing versus staged osteosynthesis with temporizing external fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal timing to definitive osteosynthesis in the polytraumatized patient remains an unanswered question. Early total care, damage control orthopaedics, and early appropriate care have been described to manage the fractures in these patients, but there is a paucity of literature specific to ipsilateral tibial and femoral fractures. We sought the perioperative outcomes of primary simultaneous intramedullary nailing (IMN) versus temporizing external fixation (EF) of both fractures. METHODS: A chart review of all patients who sustained fractures of the ipsilateral femur and tibia that were definitively treated with (IMN) from January 2010 to December 2020 was performed. Patients who underwent initial EF and those that were primarily treated with IMNs were examined. RESULTS: IMNs and EF were the initial treatment in 23 and 16 patients, respectively. The mean (range) injury severity score (ISS) was 23.3 (33) in the EF group vs. 18.5 (34) in the IMN group, (p = 0.0686). The EF group had a higher total transfused units of packed red blood cells 7.4 vs. 2.8, the mean initial operative time was 236 vs. 282.6 (min), (p = 0.7399), a longer mean total operative time 601.78 vs. 236 (min), and longer mean length of stay 15.6 vs. 11 (days), (p < 0.5). Rates of complications were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Primary IMN is as safe as provisional EF in the adequately resuscitated patient with ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures. This implies the fixation of both fractures into a single surgery without increasing perioperative complications, and decreasing total hospital stay in patients with sufficient preoperative resuscitation.

Challenges and outcomes in the treatment of floating knees. A case series of ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures around the knee.

BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures around the knee (floating knee) are rare injuries that threaten both limb viability and patient life. A correct surgical strategy is essential to reduce complications and sequelae. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and results of treatment in patients with a floating knee treated at a single trauma center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and non-consecutive case series of 18 floating knees occurred in 17 patients. All patients were operated in a single third-level public and university hospital from December 2010 to December 2018. Data on demographics, injuries, treatment and follow-up were collected. A general health questionnaire (SF-12) and a knee functional questionnaire (KOOS-PS) were used to display results. RESULTS: We identified 13 men and 4 women, aged between 16 and 52. Mean follow-up period was 16.49 months. High-energy trauma following a traffic collision was the most frequent mechanism. Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 39.05, and a damage control strategy was used in 15 (83.33%) injuries. Extra-articular fractures (Fraser I) largely predominated, resulting in double intramedullary nailing in 72.22% of cases. Eleven injuries (61.11%) presented with an open fracture. Complications appeared in 6 (33.33%) injuries, being 3 infections. Mean score for the SF-12 was 35.59 for the physical dimension and 50.44 for mental dimension. Mean score for the KOOS-PS was 43.64. CONCLUSION: Floating knee injuries usually occur in polytrauma contexts. Visceral involvement and exposed fractures are common, so the most appropriate strategy is usually a staged treatment. Complications and sequelae are frequent.

Comparison of functional outcomes among subtypes of Fraser's type â ¡ floating knee.

PURPOSE: The poor prognosis in patients with floating knee injuries is mainly contributed to articular involvement (Fraser's type Ⅱ). This study aims to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes among different Fraser's type Ⅱ floating knee injuries after surgical management. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with Fraser's type Ⅱ floating knee injuries (54 fractures) between September 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled prospectively in this study and were distributed according to Fraser's floating knee classification into three different groups as type ⅡA (ipsilateral femoral shaft and tibial intra-articular involvement, n = 11), type ⅡB (ipsilateral tibial shaft and femoral intra-articular involvement, n = 9) and type ⅡC (both femoral and tibial intra-articular involvement, n = 7). The differences among the groups were evaluated and compared. The functional outcomes of these injuries at one year were analyzed using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) which covers 5 subscales of pain, other symptoms, activities of daily living, sports and recreation, and quality of life. The result was also compared with standardized age-sex matched healthy population using paired samples t-test. RESULTS: All the patients were male, and the injury mechanism was solely roadside accident. The mean age was 29.8 years and injury severity score 17.9 (comparable in all the three groups). Most injuries were observed on the right side (20 cases, 74.1%). Based on paired samples t-test, the KOOS score of patients with Fraser's type ⅡA was found to be better than that of type ⅡB and type ⅡC. Compared with the reference age-sex matched control group, patients with Fraser's type ⅡB and ⅡC fractures had significantly lower mean score in all KOOS subscales (all p < 0.01). However, Fraser's type ⅡA only revealed significant difference regarding the subscales of activities of daily living (p < 0.0001), sports and recreation (p < 0.0001), and quality of life (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patients with Fraser's type ⅡA fractures had a better functional outcome as compared to those with type ⅡB and ⅡC fractures. This might be due to the open intra-articular involvement of the distal femur of the latter two fracture types.

Safety and efficacy of the modified Judet quadricepsplasty in patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Knee stiffness is a challenging complication following complex fractures around the knee. Several treatment strategies have been described in the last decades, but clinical results and complication rates still remain as potential drawbacks. The aim of this study was to access the clinical outcomes and complications of the modified Judet quadricepsplasty following knee stiffness secondary to complex fractures around the knee. METHODS: A total of 11 patients presenting post-traumatic knee stiffness underwent modified Judet quadricepsplasty from 2014 to 2017. All procedures were performed by the same surgical team, and all patients followed the same postoperative pain control and rehabilitation protocols. No patients underwent medial approach for medial release. When necessary, medial release was performed through the lateral approach. Patients were evaluated using the Judet criteria for final range of motion after 1-year minimum follow-up. RESULTS: According to the Judet criteria, 4 patients (36.4%) presented excellent, 6 (54.5%) good, and 1 (9.1%) poor clinical outcomes. Blood transfusion was required in 5 patients (45.4%). No patients presented infection or wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Although quadricepsplasty is considered a high morbidity surgical procedure, our favorable functional outcomes with very low complication rates using this modified Judet quadricepsplasty confirmed safety and efficacy of this helpful surgical procedure for the challenge of post-traumatic knee stiffness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 retrospective case series.

Heterotopic ossification around the knee after tibial nailing and ipsilateral antegrade and retrograde femoral nailing in the treatment of floating knee injuries.

PURPOSE: Floating knee injuries are relatively uncommon injuries. We report the prevalence, location, and severity of heterotopic ossification (HO) around the knee in patients treated with antegrade tibial intramedullary nailing and ipsilateral antegrade versus retrograde femoral intramedullary nailing as well as how the severity of HO around the knee affects knee range of motion (ROM). METHODS: From 2004 to 2014, 26 floating knee injuries were included. Radiographs were reviewed to determine presence, location, and severity of HO. Post-operative knee ROM was determined. RESULTS: A significantly higher prevalence of HO around the knee was detected in the retrograde group (90%) compared to the antegrade group (43%) (p = 0.028). There was a trend for more HO into the patellar tendon occurring in 29% of patients in the antegrade group and 74% in the retrograde group (p = 0.069). The severity of HO was higher for the retrograde group 1.6 ± 1.0 compared to the antegrade group 0.4 ± 0.5 (p = 0.004). There was poor correlation between HO severity and knee ROM. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of floating knee injuries with a retrograde femoral nail was demonstrated to result in a greater likelihood of developing HO and a greater severity of HO around the knee than if treated with an antegrade femoral nail. However, this increased severity of HO is unlikely to affect ROM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Floating knee injuries: postoperative complications and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluatepost-operative complications and functional outcome of floating knee injuries using Karlstrom\'s criteria. METHODS: The prospective randomised study was conducted at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from November 2013 to October2014, and comprised patients of either gender. The injuries were classified using Fraser classification. Femur fractures were treated with intramedullary nails, dynamic hip screws, dynamic condylar screws, dynamic compression plates, buttress plates or external fixators. Tibia fractures were treated with buttress plates, dynamic compression plates, intramedullary nails, inter-fragmentary screws or external fixators.Patients were monitored at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Final outcome was measured by Karlstrom\'s criteria. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients, 50(77%) were males and 15(23%) were females. According to Fraser classification, there were 46(70.8%)type I, 3(4.6%) type IIa, 7(10.8%) type IIb, and 9(13.8%) type IIc injuries. Most injuries were sustained during motor bike accidents 59(90.8%) involving right limb 38(58.5%) more than the left 27(41.5%), and 22(33.8%) had associated bony injuries and 4(6.2%) had visceral injuries. Non-union occurred in 16(12.3%) fractures, amputation in 5(7.7%), stiffness in 21(32.3%), soft tissue complications requiring reconstruction in 5(7.7%), infection in femur 11(16.9%), and infection in tibia 13(20%). Outcome was Excellent in 16(24.6%), Good 26(40%), Satisfactory 16(24.6%) and Poor 7(10.8%). CONCLUSIONS: A better functional outcome without sequelae/complications depends on the choice of implants according to Fraser classification, comminution at fracture site, intra- or extra-articular nature and whether the fracture is open or closed.

Ipsilateral Floating Hip and Floating Knee with Multiple Fractures - A Case Report.

Introduction: Floating hip and floating knee are high-velocity injuries associated with high mortality and morbidity. The occurrence of both floating hip and floating knee in the same limb is rare and requires proper resuscitation and orthopedic care for the management and for providing a functional limb to the patient. Case Report: A 32-year-old male presented with a history of road traffic accident and sustained ipsilateral acetabulum anterior column fracture, sacroiliac joint disruption, double segmental fracture of femur, and segmental fracture of tibia (left side). The patient also sustained head injury and abdominal injuries. The patient underwent a three-staged fixation of the fractures. External fixation of all the fractures was done as an emergency procedure. After the general condition of the patient improved, the acetabular injuries were managed surgically with fixation of the tibia in the same setting. The femur fracture was fixed in the end with a long proximal femur nail. The patient underwent adequate rehabilitation with return to full weight bearing at 4 months. All fractures healed at 6 months. At 18 months, the patient had no limitation of movements and his lower extremity functional score was 73/80 (91.3%). Conclusion: Ipsilateral floating hip and floating knee are rare injuries. With early fixation and mobilization, we can ensure fracture union with better functional outcomes.

Advances in Understanding and Managing Floating Knee Injuries: A Comprehensive Review.

Fractures of the ipsilateral tibia and femur, frequently combined with soft tissue damage and dislocations, describe floating knee injuries, a complicated orthopedic condition. Epidemiological data suggest that floating knee injuries account for a small but significant proportion of traumatic orthopedic injuries, with a higher incidence observed in younger males engaged in high-risk activities. Anatomically, floating knee injuries involve fractures of the femur and tibia, ligamentous disruptions, and soft tissue damage, contributing to the complexity and severity of these injuries. An extensive analysis of floating knee injuries is given in this paper, including information about epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, categorization, management approaches, complications, prognosis, and current and upcoming developments.

Bilateral Floating Knee Injuries Managed by Intramedullary Nailing - An Unusual Injury.

Introduction: Floating knee injuries were first described in 1975 by McBryde as concurrent femur and tibial fractures in an ipsilateral limb. They usually occurred in a polytrauma setting and presented with poor functional outcomes with frequent post-operative complications. Management of this injury was based on patient and fracture characteristics and can be done by external fixators, plating, and nailing. Case Report: A 24-year-old female presented with bilateral floating knees. She was operated on for a left femoral fracture with retrograde nailing when she developed tachycardia and underwent external fixation of the remaining fractures. She later developed a fat embolism which was managed accordingly for the same. After adequate stabilization, her right femur and tibia fractures were fixed by intramedullary nailing through a single percutaneous approach along with nailing for the left tibial fracture. She has satisfactory clinical outcomes on follow-up. Conclusion: Bilateral floating knee injuries are extremely rare injuries and should be managed on an emergency basis. Intraoperative and post-operative complications should be anticipated and managed accordingly. Good functional outcomes can be obtained by intramedullary nailing.

Malunion of a Floating Knee: Overcoming the Challenges of Extra-articular Deformities With a Robotic-Arm-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Extra-articular deformities (EAD) can pose a challenge to surgeons during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Obtaining an acceptable post-operative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle may be difficult, especially in a limb with multiplanar deformities of both the femur and the tibia.  Our case is about a 66-year-old gentleman with a long-term deformity of his right lower limb secondary to malunion of the right femoral shaft and tibial shaft fractures. He initially presented with a right floating knee injury, 45 years ago, which was managed with conservative measures. He subsequently presented to us with ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis and underwent a robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty surgery. Robotic- or computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty is an actively developing area and is gaining popularity among arthroplasty surgeons. In cases with severe extra-articular deformities such as in this case, robotic-assisted surgery can be superior to conventional surgery.

Intramedullary nailing for floating knee injury complicated by pulmonary fat embolism: A case report and literature review.

A 28-year-old man involved in a serious motorcycle accident was admitted to our hospital with comminuted fractures of the ipsilateral femoral shaft and tibial shaft, as well as multiple fractures of the right lower limb, including the proximal fibula, medial malleolus, and the third and fourth distal metatarsals. In addition, the patient suffered a skin contusion and laceration of the right foot. On the first day of admission, this patient suddenly developed tachycardia, pyrexia, and tachypnoea, and was immediately transferred to the ICU for further treatment due to a CT-diagnosed pulmonary fat embolism (FE). As a symptomatic treatment, he received a prophylactic dose of low-molecular-weight heparin for 10 days, after which his condition improved. A Doppler ultrasound of the lower leg and a follow-up chest CT angiography were performed, which excluded any remaining thrombus and verified that the pulmonary FE had improved without deterioration. Closed-reduction and retrograde intramedullary nailing were performed for the femoral shaft fractures, while antegrade intramedullary nailing was performed for the tibial shaft fractures under general anaesthesia. In the three-year follow-up, the patient had recovered with good function of the right limb, without any respiratory discomfort. Both the femoral and tibial shaft fractures finally resolved without any further treatment. Ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures should undergo surgical stabilisation as early as possible to avoid pulmonary FEs. It is still controversial whether intramedullary nailing is suitable for floating knee injuries complicated by pulmonary FEs. However, if patients with pulmonary FEs require intramedullary nailing, we suggest that surgery should be performed after at least one week of anticoagulant use, when patient vital signs are stable and there is no sign of dyspnoea. In addition, patients should try to avoid reaming during the operation to prevent and decrease "second hit" for the lung.

Floating knee injuries: Results of treatment and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: 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 throughout; age, sex, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, method and results of treatment, and complications of floating knee are discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed between January 2006 and December 2011. All patients with floating knee injuries who were admitted to the referral educational hospitals were included. The information about the 238 cases of floating knee injuries were gathered through the 254,620 trauma files and after excluding 18 patients who died within 6 months, the remaining files were studied and the target information was recorded. RESULTS: The most frequent age group was 20-29 years (44.5%). The floating knee injuries were more common in males (85.5%). Type (D) according to "the classification of Letts and Vincent" was observed in 38.9% cases. The most frequent mechanism of injury was car to motorcycles accidents (48.2%). The most common associated injury was pelvic fractures (86.8%). Open reduction and internal fixation was the common type of treatment (70%). The most common early and late complications were knee hemarthrosis in 31 cases (14%) and knee osteoarthritis in 30 cases (13.6%), respectively. Death during the 5 years follow up was due to circulatory disruption, followed by deep vein thrombosis (61%). There was a significant relation between the age and outcomes as it worsens with age (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the complication rate associated with floating knee injuries remained high, regardless of the used treatment regimen and surgeons should focus on reducing complications while treating it.

Simultaneous ipsilateral floating hip and knee: the double floating extremity-a systematic review and proposal of a treatment algorithm.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the currently available existing evidence related to the presentation and management of simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries to identify injury characteristics, treatment strategies, and complications. METHODS: Data sources: Relevant articles were identified by searching Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases with no language restrictions. Manual searches of other relevant databases (SciELO and grey literature databases) and reference lists of primary articles found from initial searches were also conducted. STUDY SELECTION: All types of study designs published from January 1st, 2000 to October 1st, 2022 involving skeletally mature patients with simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Basic information and specific injury-related information were collected. RESULTS: Eight case reports were included. No study adequately reported the case with sufficient detail to allow other investigators to make inferences, nor was the result properly calculated, nor was the follow-up considered adequate for adequate functional assessment to occur in 80% of the studies. CONCLUSION: The exact treatment strategy and the follow-up time are not uniform across the included studies; therefore, they are not sufficient to adequately recommend surgical approach, timing of fixation, and fixation method. Our findings warrant the need for better documentation and reporting information about the mode of treatment of simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries.

The current issues and challenges in the management of floating knee injury: a retrospective study.

Purpose: The management of floating knee injuries is still controversial and challenging for trauma specialists. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of the floating knee in lower limb trauma, analyzing the challenges in its management, and factors affecting clinical outcomes. Methods: In this mono-center retrospective study, 36 consecutive patients were included. All individuals were diagnosed with an ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia, managed surgically according to their fracture pattern (Fraser classification), and the severity of the injury. The timing for each operation was determined based on the general condition of the patient and the local physiological condition of soft tissues. The patients' clinical outcomes were finally evaluated based on their Karlstrom and Olerud scores and were categorized as excellent, good, acceptable, fair, or poor. Results: In this study, the mean follow-up period was 51.39 ± 16.02 months (11-130 months). Incidence of the floating knee was 2.32% in all lower limb traumas. From this number, 16 patients suffered from floating knee injury in the left lower extremity, and 18 in the right lower limb, while in 2 patients the condition was bilateral. The most common injury mechanism was road traffic accidents, accounting for 28 (77.78%) cases. The outcome was as follows; Excellent to good results in 22 (61.11%) cases, acceptable results in 2 (5.56%) cases, and fair to poor results in 12 (33.33%) cases according to the Karlström-Olerud scoring system. The most frequent early complications were wound infection and deep venous thrombosis in 5 (13.88%) of the cases. The most common late complication was common peroneal nerve palsy recorded in 2 (5.56%) cases. Conclusion: The presence of important concomitant injuries to the floating knee together with poor soft tissue conditions constituted important factors influencing possible management options and may have led to poorer clinical outcomes.

Bilateral floating knee injury in a child with down syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Floating knee injury is a rare injury that involves a simultaneous fracture of the femur and tibia. It is more common among young men and is generally caused by high-speed blows. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. Children with Down syndrome have generalized ligamentous laxity, joint hypermobility, and hypotonia, leading to musculoskeletal conditions such as atlantoaxial instability, hip instability, and patellar instability. CASE PRESENTATION: A 10-year-old boy with Down syndrome was admitted to the emergency room due to a car accident. Radiographic examinations revealed a diaphyseal fracture of the right femur and a diaphyseal open fracture of the tibia compatible with floating knee injury Type-D, and a physeal fracture of the distal femur (Salter-Harris type 2) and a metaphyseal fracture of the proximal tibia compatible with floating knee injury Type-C. The patient underwent preoperative investigations, including a neck radiograph, cardiology evaluation, pulmonary assessment, and hematologic check. The patient underwent surgery to fix all fractures. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The necessary investigations were carried out to perform anesthesia and measures before, during, and after the operation. Down syndrome may help the patient recover, especially the ROM, due to various musculoskeletal conditions, such as generalized ligamentous laxity, joint hypermobility, and hypotonia. CONCLUSION: Children with Down syndrome may have various musculoskeletal conditions that can complicate the treatment of other injuries such as floating knee injury. Preoperative investigations should be performed to identify any potential complications.

Pediatric floating knee injuries: Clinical modifiers affecting sports and transfer outcomes.

AIM: This study assessed the functional outcome, and the clinical modifiers that influence them with the aim to assist the clinician plan a better management strategy in Paediatric Floating Knee (PFK) injuries. METHODS: A quasi-prospective, single-center observational study was designed to determine the functional and radiological outcomes in children ( 4 cm of bone loss (p < 0.01) but poor correlation with age at injury (p = 0.5), open fracture (p = 0.17), comminuted femoral and/or tibial fracture patterns (p > 0.05) and loss of soft tissue cover (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition of clinical modifiers such as high ISS and bone loss > 4 cm warrants targeted limb reconstruction strategy and can help to prognosticate outcome.

A rare complication of a rare pediatric injury: Transient drop foot following a floating knee injury.

Floating Knee is a rare injury caused by high velocity, and has rarely been described in children. The purpose of this report is to present a case of a six-year-old female after a fall down three and a half flights of stairs, suffering from this rare injury and a rare complication, and her rehabilitation. She suffered fractures of the femur and tibia (Floating Knee type), and was operated on the day of the injury with closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). Following the operation, painful drop-foot was evident, related to the fractured bone pressure on the sciatic nerve and a very high level of anxiety. The patient was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital, where she received a total of about 350 physical therapy, hydrotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy treatments over a period of one year. Treatment also consisted of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and were assisted with examinations at the motion analysis laboratory using surface electromyography. The combined orthopedic and physical therapy treatment, and cooperation with psychology in the intervention and training for the care team, enabled achievement of all rehabilitation goals. The patient returned to a high functional level and full participation in daily life activities with her peers, without the need for the AFO or further treatment in the community. A re-examination after about six months showed continued functional improvement according to objective indicators. This case raises awareness of rare injuries and complications in pediatric orthopedic patients, that require multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment and cooperation between the surgical and rehabilitation teams. Closed injury of the sciatic nerve can be followed for a long period without additional invasive studies or formal nerve exploration, and complete recovery can be achieved.

Multiligament Knee Reconstruction of the ACL, PLC, and ALL in a Floating Knee: A Case Report.

Introduction: Ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia, known by the moniker "floating knee," is a serious injury that primarily results from high-energy trauma. Up to 53% of patients with floating knee injuries have concurrent ligamentous injuries, with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as the most commonly affected ligament. Approximately 10% of multi-ligament knee injuries consist of injuries to both the ACL and posterolateral corner (PLC); however, the literature reporting the management of this patient population is sparse, particularly, with a lack of consensus on the timing and protocol of surgical treatment. Well-characterized treatment guidelines are needed for patients with concomitant floating knee and multi-ligament knee injuries. Case Report: A 26-year-old, previously healthy male involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision presented with upper and lower extremity, skull, and facial fractures, sacropelvic dissociation, and epidural hematoma. Here we describe a rare instance of a floating knee with a multi-ligament knee injury treated through early reconstruction of the ACL, PLC, and anterolateral ligament following stabilization of long bone fractures. Post-injury day 18, the patient underwent single-stage reconstruction of his multi-ligament knee injury. The timing of this was chosen to allow for capsular scar formation to aid in arthroscopy. Conclusion: Our surgical algorithm consists of allograft reconstruction using an all-inside ACL technique and a modified anatomical PLC technique. We recommend early (1-3 weeks) surgical treatment of multi-ligament knee injuries for patients without a closed head injury; however, an individualized treatment approach should be sought, considering the severity of ligamentous injuries, pre-injury activity level, extent of soft-tissue damage, and the activity goals of the patient post-injury. In patients with floating knee injuries, the proposed surgical algorithm here may be utilized for successful multi-ligament knee injury reconstruction.

Immediate rotationplasty for a severely crushed floating knee in a blast injury: A case report.

Rotationplasty is a durable biological reconstruction strategy that is most often performed in children with osteosarcoma of the distal femur. This limb-sparing procedure essentially employs a 180° "rotation" of the distal limb followed by fixation to the proximal limb, resulting in superior functionality and flexibility as compared to those of alternative surgeries. However, despite the many advantages of rotationplasty, literature regarding its indications, techniques, and outcomes in adult patients is scarce. A 37-year-old man presented with a severely floating knee in a blast injury. In addition to femoral shaft fracture, the proximal tibia was comminuted severely from the articular surface to the diaphysis, and the soft tissue was equally crushed. Because his ankle was relatively intact, immediate rotationplasty was performed for joint reconstruction combined with anastomosis of the neurovascular bundles. He underwent another bone grafting surgery 8 months after the initial surgery to improve bone union and subsequently began full weight-bearing with a prosthesis 3 months later. After more than 4 years of follow-up, he could walk without assistance, was satisfied with his overall recovery, and had a decent range of motion. However, due to the injured tibial nerve from the initial accident, he continued to experience numbness of the left foot, which prevented him from wearing the prosthesis for more than 3 h at a time. Based on our experience and literature review, opting for rotationplasty after a trauma will provide optimal outcome for the patient only when the following conditions are met: (1) healthy and active preoperative status, (2) integrity of the nerves, (3) competence of the prosthetic team, and (4) access to an emergency microsurgical reconstruction trauma center facility.

The Floating Knee in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study From a Referral Center.

Introduction An ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia (also known as floating knee) is a rare injury in pediatric patients. Recent advances rapidly made the use of intramedullary elastic nails the standard of care in the management of long bone fractures, including floating knee injuries, in patients with immature skeletons. Currently, we have observed a trend of fixing both fractured bones, thus improving functional outcomes, and reducing sequelae. The aim of this study was to report our experience in the management and functional outcomes of floating knee injuries in a single trauma-I level center. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study of consecutive cases from June 1, 2018, to March 31, 2022, from a single trauma center. Preoperative and postoperative records and radiographs were assessed, including the epidemiological data and characteristics of the fractures type of treatment, mechanism of injury, complications, and functional evaluation at the last follow-up, which was performed according to the criteria described by Karlstrom and Olerud. Results Twenty-five patients were included during the four years of study, of which 18 were male (72%), and the mean age was 9.6 years. Overall, 96% of the cases were related to traffic accidents. An analysis of the provided treatment showed that 19 cases (76%) were resolved with surgery on at least of the bones, and six cases were managed with simultaneous orthopedic treatments in both injuries. Excellent outcomes were achieved in 15 cases (60%), good outcomes in three, fair outcomes in five, and poor outcomes in one. Concerning the classification of injuries according to the criteria developed by Letts and Vincent,it was observed that type D was the most frequent one. With regard to exposed bone injuries, 15 cases presented with open fractures. Complications were found in eight (32%) cases, of which five were related to limb discrepancy and three with functional limitations of the knee, with changes in its range of motion. There was also one case of nonunion of the distal tibia. Conclusion Traffic accidents are the main cause of floating knees. Surgical management of the fractures brought satisfactory outcomes and reduced complications. Thus, fixation of injuries is recommended for early return to daily activities and for a reduction in residual complications.