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Abstract
Fifty patients presenting themselves with a locked knee were investigated prospectively
by examination under anaesthesia and arthroscopy. Definite abnormality was found in
92 per cent. Torn menisci were present in 68 per cent and isolated ruptures of the
cruciate ligament in 10 per cent. Loose bodies were found in 3 patients, degenerative
changes alone in 2 patients and a pathological medial synovial shelf in 1 patient.
No abnormality was demonstrated in 8 per cent. Sixteen per cent of the knees remained
locked following the induction of anaesthesia.
This study demonstrates that a true mechanical block is not necessarily present and
that the position of an unstable meniscal fragment is not consistently related to
the fixed position of the knee under anaesthetic. There were no clinical features
that allowed the normal knees to be distinguished preoperatively from those with internal
derangement. It is proposed that these patients should be managed by prompt examination
under anaesthesia, arthroscopy and definitive surgery.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 27,
1985
Identification
Copyright
© 1986 Published by Elsevier Inc.
