Aims. Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are devastating injuries that can result in significant morbidity and time away from sport. There remains considerable variation in strategies employed for investigation, indications for operative intervention, outcome reporting, and rehabilitation following these injuries. At present no study has yet provided a comprehensive overview evaluating the extent, range, and overall summary of the published literature pertaining to MLKI. Our aim is to perform a methodologically rigorous scoping review, mapping the literature evaluating the diagnosis and management of MLKI. Methods. This scoping review will address three aims: firstly, to map the current extent and nature of evidence for diagnosis and management of MLKI; secondly, to summarize and disseminate existing research findings to practitioners; and thirdly, to highlight gaps in current literature. A three-step search strategy as described by accepted methodology will be employed to identify peer-reviewed literature including reviews, technical notes, opinion pieces, and original research. An initial limited search will be performed to determine suitable search terms, followed by an expanded search of four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science). Two reviewers will independently screen identified studies for final inclusion. Dissemination. We will map key concepts and evidence, and disseminate existing research findings to the wider orthopaedic and sports medicine community, through both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature, and conference and in-person communications. We will highlight gaps in the current literature and determine future priorities for further research. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):894–897

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare and life-altering injuries that remain difficult to treat clinically due to a paucity of evidence guiding surgical management and timing. The purpose of this study was to compare injury specific functional outcomes following early versus delayed surgical reconstruction in MLKI patients to help inform timing decisions in clinical practice. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with MLKIs at a single academic level 1-trauma center was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an MLKI, underwent reconstructive surgery either prior to 6wks from injury or between 12weeks and 2 years from injury, and had at least 12months of post-surgical follow-up. Patients with a vascular injury, open injuries or associated fractures were excluded. Study participants were stratified into early (12 weeks - 2 years from injury). The primary outcome was patient reported, injury specific, quality of life in the form of the Multiligament Quality of Life questionnaire (MLQOL) and its four domains (Physical Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Activity Limitations and Societal Involvement). We secondarily analyzed differences in the need for manipulation under anesthesia, and reoperation rates, as well as radiographic Kellgren Lawrence (KL) arthritis grades, knee laxity grading and range of motion at the most recent follow-up. A total of 131 patients met our inclusion criteria, all having had surgery between 2006 and 2019. There were 75 patients in the early group and 56 in the delayed group. The mean time to surgery was 17.6 ± 8.0 days in the early group versus 279 ± 146.5 days in the delayed. Mean postoperative follow-up was 58 months. There were no significant differences between early and delayed groups with respect to age (34 vs. 32.8 years), sex (77% vs 63% male), BMI (28.3 vs 29.7 kg/m2), or injury mechanism (p>0.05). The early surgery group was found to include more patients with lateral sided injuries (n=49 [65%] vs. n=23 [41%]; p=0.012), a higher severity of Schenck Classification (p=0.024) as well as nerve injuries at initial presentation (n=35 [49%] vs n=8 [18%]; p0.05), when controlling for age, sex, Schenck classification, medial versus lateral injury, and nerve injury status. In terms of our secondary outcomes, we found that the early group underwent significantly more manipulations under anesthesia compare with the delayed group (n=24, [32%] vs n=8 [14%], p=0.024). We did not identify a significant difference in physical examination laxity grades, range of motion, KL grade or reoperation rates between groups (p>0.05). We found no difference in patient reported outcomes between those who underwent early versus delayed surgery following MLKI reconstruction. In our secondary outcomes, we found significantly more patients in the early surgery group required a manipulation under anesthesia following surgery, which may indicate a propensity for arthrofibrosis after early MLKI reconstruction

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare and life-altering injuries that remain difficult to treat clinically due to a paucity of evidence guiding surgical management and timing. The purpose of this study was to compare injury specific functional outcomes following early versus delayed surgical reconstruction in MLKI patients to help inform timing decisions in clinical practice. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with MLKIs at a single academic level 1-trauma center was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an MLKI, underwent reconstructive surgery either prior to 6wks from injury or between 12weeks and 2 years from injury, and had at least 12months of post-surgical follow-up. Patients with a vascular injury, open injuries or associated fractures were excluded. Study participants were stratified into early (<6wks from injury) and delayed surgical intervention (>12 weeks – 2 years from injury). The primary outcome was patient reported, injury specific, quality of life in the form of the Multiligament Quality of Life questionnaire (MLQOL) and its four domains (Physical Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Activity Limitations and Societal Involvement). We secondarily analyzed differences in the need for manipulation under anesthesia, and reoperation rates, as well as radiographic Kellgren Lawrence (KL) arthritis grades, knee laxity grading and range of motion at the most recent follow-up. A total of 131 patients met our inclusion criteria, all having had surgery between 2006 and 2019. There were 75 patients in the early group and 56 in the delayed group. The mean time to surgery was 17.6 ± 8.0 days in the early group versus 279 ± 146.5 days in the delayed. Mean postoperative follow-up was 58 months. There were no significant differences between early and delayed groups with respect to age (34 vs. 32.8 years), sex (77% vs 63% male), BMI (28.3 vs 29.7 kg/m. 2. ), or injury mechanism (p>0.05). The early surgery group was found to include more patients with lateral sided injuries (n=49 [65%] vs. n=23 [41%]; p=0.012), a higher severity of Schenck Classification (p=0.024) as well as nerve injuries at initial presentation (n=35 [49%] vs n=8 [18%]; p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression analyses of the four domains of the MLQOL did not demonstrate an independent association with early versus delayed surgery status (p>0.05), when controlling for age, sex, Schenck classification, medial versus lateral injury, and nerve injury status. In terms of our secondary outcomes, we found that the early group underwent significantly more manipulations under anesthesia compare with the delayed group (n=24, [32%] vs n=8 [14%], p=0.024). We did not identify a significant difference in physical examination laxity grades, range of motion, KL grade or reoperation rates between groups (p>0.05). We found no difference in patient reported outcomes between those who underwent early versus delayed surgery following MLKI reconstruction. In our secondary outcomes, we found significantly more patients in the early surgery group required a manipulation under anesthesia following surgery, which may indicate a propensity for arthrofibrosis after early MLKI reconstruction

Acute multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare, high energy traumatic injuries associated with an increased risk of lower limb complications. The objectives of this study were to investigate the adequacy of clinical assessment for neurovascular status, compartment syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department (ED) following acute MLKI. The authors conducted a retrospective case note review of 19 patients with MLKI presenting at the ED of a Major Trauma Centre during a 7.5-year period between June 2009 and December 2016. MLKIs were diagnosed by MRI or examination under anaesthesia and confirmed intraoperatively. Arterial assessment consisted of documented capillary refill time, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulse assessment (through palpation or Doppler ultrasound), and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) calculation. Neural assessment was adequate if there was documented assessment of both sensory and motor function of the superficial peroneal, deep peroneal and tibial nerves individually. Data was collected for 19 patients (17 male, 2 female). The mean age was 34 (range: 14–61). The most common injury mechanism was road traffic accident. Neurovascular assessment was suboptimal in all categories: only one patient received a satisfactory lower limb neurological assessment and no patients received complete vascular assessments. Neurovascular assessment of multiligament knee injuries was suboptimal. Reasons for this included poor documentation and lack of certain specific clinical assessments, such as ABPI calculation. We propose the introduction of an acute knee injury pro forma highlighting the components of a full lower limb neurovascular examination to rectify this problem

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are associated with significant morbidity and healthcare requirements. The primary aim of this study is to report the patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) after reconstructive surgery. Patients undergoing surgery for MLKI between 2014 and 2018 in the single large-volume trauma centre were included. Electronic patient records were reviewed for demographic data, details of surgery and complications. PROMs collected were EQ-5D-5L, Lysholm Knee Score (LKS), UCLA Activity and Sport and patient satisfaction. Thirty-five patients were included. Mean age was 31 years (range 16-66), and 71% were male. The most common mechanism of injury was sports-related (71%). Obesity was present in eight (23%) patients. No vascular injuries were recorded and four patients sustained nerve injuries. PROMs were available for 18 patients (51%) with a median follow up of 4.5 years. Median EQ-5D-5L was 0.78 (IQR 0.14). Median LKS was 84.5 (IQR 21) and there was no correlation with time to surgery (p=0.43). Grade of MLKI did not impact LKS (p=0.09). Fifteen patients (83%) saw a reduction in their activity level. All patients were satisfied with their surgical treatment. Recurrent instability was noted in four patients (11%). Three patients (8%) required further surgery (one revision reconstruction, one meniscectomy, one conversion to a hinged knee replacement. This study demonstrates two groups of patients who sustain MLKI: the sporting population and obese patients. Health related quality of life, functional outcomes and satisfaction are high after surgery. Time to surgery did not impact on functional outcomes

Poor availability of allografts in South Africa has led to an increased use of synthetic augmentation to stabilize knee joints in the treatment of knee dislocations. This study aims to evaluate multiligament knee injuries treated with a posterior cruciate ligament internal brace. The study included patients with knee dislocations who were treated with a PCL internal brace. The internal brace involved the insertion of a synthetic suture tape, which was drilled into the femoral and tibial footprint. Chronic injuries were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs), range of motion, stress X-Rays, and MRI scans were reviewed to assess outcomes. Acceptable outcomes were defined as a Lysholm score of 84 or more, with grade II laxity in no more than one ligament and a range of motion from full extension to 90° or more. The study included eight patients, with a median age of 42, of which five were female. None of the patients had knee flexion less than 90° or an extension deficit of more than 20°. PROMs indicated acceptable outcomes (EQ5D, Tegner Lysholm). Stress radiographs showed less than 7mm (Grade I) of posterior translation laxity in all patients. Four patients underwent MRI scans 1–2 years after the initial surgery, which revealed healing of the PCL in all patients. However, increased signal in a continuous ligament suggested only partial healing in two patients. Tunnel widening of 200% and 250% was noted around the tibial and femoral PCL footprints, respectively. All patients demonstrated stable knees and acceptable PROMs. Tunnel widening was observed in all patients who had MRI scans. Factors such as suspensory fixation, anisometric tunnel position, and the absence of PCL tear repair may have contributed to the tunnel widening

Purpose. No knee-specific outcome measures have demonstrated reliability, validity or responsiveness in patients with multiligament knee injuries. Furthermore, the content validity of existing questionnaires has been challenged and remains unknown for patients with concomitant neurovascular injury. As a first step in developing a disease-specific outcome measure, the objective of this study was to identify items from existing knee questionnaires pertinent to patients with multiligament knee injuries using established a priori criteria. Method. Eighty-five consecutive patients from a level one trauma centre were mailed a questionnaire comprising 124 items from 11 knee-specific instruments. They rated the frequency and importance for each item on a five-point Likert scale. Criteria for item selection included a mean importance rating (MIR) ≥ 3.5 and frequency < 30% for the response never experienced. The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework was used to support the content. Results. The average age of the 60/85 respondents (70.6%) was 34.7 years and most were male (n=45). Average time from injury was 845 days. Using the Schenck classification, 19 patients were KD I, two were KD II, 39 were KD IIIL or IIIM, and nine were KD IV. Nineteen had peroneal nerve injury and five had a vascular injury. Forty-four patients were treated surgically, six nonoperatively and 10 are pre-operative. Sixty-one of 124 questionnaire items met the a priori inclusion criteria. Based on the ICF, 22 of the retained items were physical impairments (PI), 15 items were emotional impairments (EI), 18 items were activity limitations (AL), and six items were participation restrictions (PR). The 10 items with the highest MIR included six EI, one PI and three PR. Twenty-four items (PI=6 EI=13, AL=2, PR=3) of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QoL) satisfied the a priori criteria and this instrument also endorsed the most items within the EI and PR constructs. The Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Score (KOOS) had 21 items (PI=7, EI=2, AL=11, PR=1) which satisfied the a priori criteria and also had the most items within the PI and AL constructs. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form had 12 items (EI=0, PI=3, AL=9, PR=0) meeting criteria while the remaining questionnaires contained 11 items with concepts redundant to above. Combining the ACL-QoL and KOOS resulted in representation of 41/61 of the retained items (PI=13, EI=13, AL=12, PR=3). No existing instrument includes content that may result from neurological or vascular injury. Conclusion. This work has identified over sixty pertinent items across the various ICF domains relevant to patients with multiligament knee injuries. The ACL-QoL and KOOS together address over two thirds of these items. Patient and clinician focus groups will be conducted to address missing content and to further refine the questionnaire items

Introduction Traumatic dislocation of knee is a complex injury challenging the skills of even the experienced surgeons. Our category of Traumatic dislocation of knee is combined ACL, PCL MCL ± other ligament injuries. Aims and objectives 1. To accurately diagnose Multiliga-mentous Knee injuries. 2. To achieve optimal functional results in complex knee ligament injuries. Materials and Methods: We have treated 37 cases of multiligamentous knee injuries, The mechanism is low energy road traffic accident. Age range from 20 to 64 yrs. Diagnosis by history and clinical tests (Drawers, valgus/Varus stress tests, rotary tests, recurvatum and Lachmann’s). Investigations:- X-rays and MRI and Diganostic Arthroscopy. MRI. Is not routine. Isolated injuries are excluded from the study. Surgery performed with in less than 1week of injury. In Chronic cases between 2–3 months Meticulous pre-op and skin Incision plan is necessary. Incisions were long oblique incision in the medial aspect for repair of the Postero medial complex, Medial collateral ligament and medial patellar retinaculae. Single incision techniques for primary ACL reconstruction with bone Patellar tendon bone graft,. Post –OP: Programmed physio protocol upto 3months. Complications: Pain at the staple site was the most common problem. None warranted removal. No cases of subjective instability/pain was reported. Post Op Assessment Average range of motion 120 degree achieved of 3 months. gentle nterior drawer’s / Lachmann’s / varus /valgus / stress test for laxity at 3 months and for instability at 6months.One leg hop test at 6 months. Posterior drawers / were positive for all patients with PCL injury due to the delayed reconstruction. Average follow-up of 15months. Lysholm knee score average of 84points,Keating’s knee score is average 82 on multiligamentous reconstructions of knee joint. Conclusion: Excellent results achieved with staged Repair/Reconstruction with PCL at 2nd stage, all other ligaments as 1st stage