What is Knee Dislocation

Knee dislocation is when the bones that make up the knee joint move out of their normal position. Usually, if your knee is dislocated, at least two of the strong cords that hold your bones in place (ligaments) are also damaged.

Knee dislocation is often caused by a sports accident or a car accident.

This is a serious injury. Your doctor needs to put the knee bones back in place right away. This may be done with or without surgery.

Follow these instructions at home:

If you have a splint:

• Wear it as told by your doctor.
• Take it off only as told by your doctor.
• Loosen it if:
  • Your foot or toes become numb and tingle.
  • Your foot or toes turn cold and blue.
• Keep it clean and dry.

Bathing

• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your doctor says that you can. Ask your doctor if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.
• If your doctor says that taking baths and showers is okay, cover the splint with a plastic bag. Do not let the splint get wet.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If told, put ice on the injured area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Move your toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

• Do not use the injured leg to support your body weight until your doctor says that you can. Use crutches or other devices to help you walk as told by your doctor.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
• Avoid hard (strenuous) activities for as long as told by your doctor.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your pain becomes worse, not better.

Get help right away if:

• You have very bad pain.
• You begin to lose feeling in your foot, and adjusting your splint does not help.
• You cannot move your ankle or toes.
• Your foot or ankle turns color or feels cold.
• You have chest pain or shortness of breath.