Knee Dislocation, Tibia Fibula

Injury and displacement of the bones of the lower leg so they no longer touch each other. This is less common than dislocation of the kneecap. It often occurs with fracture of the tibia.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Knee joint.
• Lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) where they join the knee joint.
• Soft tissue surrounding the dislocation, including nerves, periosteum (covering of bone), tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels.

Causes

• Direct blow to the knee.
• End result of a severe sprain caused by a twisting injury.
• Powerful muscle contractions related to quick changes of direction while running.

Signs & Symptoms

• A feeling of the knee "giving way."
• Excruciating pain at the time of injury.
• Locking of the dislocated bones in the abnormal position or spontaneous reposition, leaving no apparent deformity.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and discoloration of the knee.
• Numbness or paralysis in the lower leg and foot from pressure, pinching or cutting of blood vessels or nerves.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental

After removal of the cast :

• Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
• You may try heat instead of ice, if it feels better.Use heat lamps,hot soaks,hot showers, heating pads or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments ,if available
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make joint manipulation possible.
• Acetaminophen or aspirin to relieve moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.
• Antibiotics to fight infection following surgery.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Develop your muscle strength and overall conditioning
• Warm up adequately before physical activity.
• After recovery, protect the knee during contact or running sports by wearing wrapped elastic bandages, tape wraps, knee pads or special support stockings.