Review Article

Current concepts in the assessment and management of multiligament injuries of the knee

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Orthopedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
² Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Addenbrooke’s – Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: waldoscheepers@gmail.com

Received: 9 August 2021
Accepted: 29 October 2021

Abstract

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs), though rare, pose significant challenges to the patient and surgeon. They often occur in the setting of high-velocity trauma and are frequently associated with concomitant intra- and extra-articular injuries, the most immediately devastating of which is vascular compromise. A detailed evaluation is required when acute or chronic MLKIs are suspected, and stress radiography, MRI and angiography are valuable adjuncts to a thorough clinical examination. Surgical treatment is widely regarded as superior to non-surgical management and has been demonstrated to improve functional outcome scores, return to work, and return to sport rates, though the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis remains high in affected knees. However, acceptable results have been obtained with conservative management in populations where surgical intervention is not feasible. Early arthroscopic single-stage reconstruction is currently the mainstay of treatment for these injuries, but some recent comparative studies have found no significant differences in outcomes. Recent trends in the literature on MLKIs seem to favour early surgery over delayed surgery, though both methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Due to the heterogeneity of the injury and the diversity of patient factors, treatment needs to be individualised, and a single best approach with regards to the timing of surgery, repair versus reconstruction, surgical technique and surgical principles cannot be advocated. There is much controversy in the literature surrounding these topics. Early post-operative rehabilitation remains one of the most important positive prognostic factors in surgical management and requires a dedicated team-based approach. Though outcomes of MLKIs are generally favourable, complications are abundant and precautionary measures should be implemented where possible. Low resource settings are faced with unique challenges, necessitating adaptability and pragmatism in tailoring a management strategy capable of achieving comparable outcomes.