Name of the Procedure:

Closed Treatment of Knee Dislocation; Without Anesthesia

Summary

Closed treatment of knee dislocation without anesthesia involves manually manipulating the knee back into its proper position after it has been dislocated, without the use of anesthesia to numb the area.

Purpose

This procedure is necessary to address a knee dislocation, where the bones of the knee joint are out of alignment. The goal is to restore proper alignment of the knee joint, alleviate pain, and avoid further damage to the surrounding tissues, ligaments, and nerves.

Indications

• Visible deformity of the knee.
• Intense pain and swelling around the knee.
• Inability to move the knee joint.
• Known or suspected knee dislocation due to trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Preparation

• Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking.
• Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRIs may be conducted to assess the extent of dislocation and rule out associated fractures.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, often lying down.
2. The healthcare provider manually manipulates the knee, applying controlled traction and pressure to guide the bones back into their proper alignment.
3. The procedure focuses solely on physical maneuvering, without the use of anesthesia.

Duration

Typically, the procedure lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, though this may vary based on the complexity of the dislocation.

Setting

This procedure is generally performed in an emergency room or an orthopedic clinic.

Personnel

• An experienced orthopedic surgeon or a trained healthcare provider.
• An assistant or nurse to support the procedure.

Risks and Complications

• Pain during the procedure due to the absence of anesthesia.
• Risk of damaging surrounding ligaments, blood vessels, or nerves.
• Possible recurrence of dislocation.
• Potential for associated fractures if not identified beforehand.

Benefits

• Immediate reduction of pain and discomfort once the knee joint is realigned.
• Restored function and mobility of the knee.

Recovery

• Patients may be advised to rest and apply ice to the knee.
• Use of a knee brace or splint to immobilize the joint during the healing process.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.
• Recovery time can vary but typically ranges from several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the dislocation.

Alternatives

• Open surgical reduction, which involves an incision to realign the knee under direct visualization, typically with anesthesia. This is often considered if closed treatment is not successful or if there are associated fractures.
• Use of sedation or local anesthesia to perform a closed reduction, which can alleviate pain during the procedure.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may experience significant discomfort or pain, as no anesthesia is used. Post-procedure, the patient might feel immediate relief from pain, although the knee may remain sore and swollen. Pain management techniques such as over-the-counter pain relievers and ice application are commonly utilized to enhance comfort during recovery. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure proper rehabilitation.