Abstract

Floating knee injuries result from high velocity trauma, are usually associated with multiple injuries making it challenging to treat and lead to high morbidity and mortality. There are no clear guidelines for their management. The aim of this study to evaluate the functional outcomes of operatively treated floating knee injuries in adults and the factors affecting them. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics in a tertiary care hospital, northern India. Patients who were admitted with Floating Knee Injuries during the study period were enrolled in our study. Data collection of the patients was detailed history, clinical examination, investigations, management and complications of floating knee injury patients. Results: A total of 35 floating knee injury patient was enrolled in our study, predominantly male patients (91.5%), majority of the patients were of young age group between 186-40 years (48.6%). Right side fracture was involved in 60% of cases; RTA was the most common mode of injury (94.5%). 77.2% were open fracture, 62.9% were Type I. The majority of the patients (88.6%) had associated injuries. Common complication of floating knee injuries were shock (51.4%), local wound infection (40%), delayed union (28.5%). Excellent to good outcomes were found in 43% of cases. Conclusions: Floating knee is a complex injury caused by high energy trauma (RTA) with many associated injuries. The factors which determined the functional outcomes were type of fracture, pattern and, site of fracture.

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