Functional outcome of floating knee injuries after fixation: A follow up study

Abstract

Floating knee is a major trauma following high velocity road traffic accidents. We assessed prospectively 25 cases of floating knee injuries that came to Govt. T D MCH casualty over a period of 1-year 6months. Majority had significant associated injuries requiring emergency interventions, multidisciplinary approach and prolonged hospital stay. Majority of cases were male patients around the age of 20-29 year, sustaining high velocity road traffic accidents. Head trauma and Upper Limb fractures were the most common associated injury. FRASER type 1(femur shaft+tibial shaft fracture) was the most common fracture encountered. Zero hour/early fixation seemed to significantly improve post-operative morbidity and less complications. Closed nailing of both tibia and femur were found to be the most successful surgery as evaluated by karlstorm and olerud criteria. On assessment by karlstorm and olerud criteria around 44% had excellent outcome, 32% good, 16% acceptable and 8% poor.