27552 Closed treatment of knee dislocation; requiring anesthesia

Name of the Procedure:

Closed Treatment of Knee Dislocation; Requiring Anesthesia

Summary

In this procedure, a dislocated knee is manually repositioned back into place without the need for surgical incisions. This treatment is performed under anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the process.

Purpose

The procedure addresses knee dislocation, a condition where the bones that form the knee joint are displaced from their normal alignment. The goal is to realign the bones properly, restore knee function, and alleviate pain and instability.

Indications

• Severe knee pain and visible deformity after an injury.
• Inability to move or bear weight on the affected leg.
• Swelling and bruising around the knee joint.
• Imaging (X-ray, MRI) confirming knee dislocation.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a certain period before the procedure.
• Medication adjustments might be necessary, especially anticoagulants.
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of the dislocation and rule out fractures.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned and prepared with cleansing of the knee area.
2. Anesthesia is administered either regionally or generally.
3. The healthcare provider manually applies gentle traction and manipulation to reposition the displaced bones.
4. A post-reduction X-ray might be taken to confirm the correct alignment.
5. The knee is often stabilized with a brace or splint to maintain its position during the initial healing phase.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

• Hospital emergency department or orthopedic clinic.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon or trained healthcare provider.
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
• Nurses and possibly radiology technicians.

Risks and Complications

• Recurrence of dislocation.
• Damage to blood vessels, nerves, or ligaments around the knee.
• Infection at the anesthesia site.
• Complications from anesthesia.

Benefits

• Restoration of knee alignment and function.
• Relief from pain and swelling.
• Prevention of further damage to the knee structures.

Recovery

• Patients may need crutches or a knee brace during the recovery period.
• Physical therapy might be recommended to restore strength and mobility.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress.
• Complete recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months based on the severity of the dislocation and patient health.

Alternatives

• Open surgical treatment if closed reduction fails or if there are associated fractures.
• Conservative management with bracing alone for minor dislocations.

Pros:

Closed treatment is less invasive with a shorter recovery time.

Cons:

Less effective for severe dislocations or complex injuries.

Patient Experience

• Under anesthesia, the patient should not experience pain during the procedure.
• Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common afterward.
• Pain management includes prescribed medications and applying ice to reduce swelling.