Traumatic Anterior Knee Dislocation with Popliteal Artery Injury: The Importance of a Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment to Obtain Lower Limb Salvage

Abstract We report a case of traumatic anterior dislocation of the left knee in association with disruption of the soft tissues including knee ligaments, popliteal artery and common peroneal nerve, resulting in lower limb acute ischemia. All components of this complex trauma were recognised and treated promptly with rehabilitation commencing early. The present case is important in two aspects: firstly it reports a very rare occurrence of simultaneous anterior dislocation of the knee associated with vascular insult and common peroneal nerve injury, that was rarely reported in the current literature; secondly it highlights that with timely intervention and a team approach excellent results could be achieved.