What should I do if I think my knee has dislocated?

Do this now

• Call 999 for an ambulance, especially after a car crash, a fall from height or if the leg looks deformed
• Keep the leg as still as possible, supported in the position that is most comfortable
• Do not try to force the knee straight or pull it back into place yourself
• Do not walk on it and do not drive yourself
• Remove tight clothing, shoes or jewellery below the knee if swelling is building
• Do not eat or drink in case an urgent operation is needed

Why it is urgent even if it went back in

A knee dislocation means the thigh bone and shin bone have separated, which tears several ligaments. Many dislocated knees go back into place on their own before anyone sees them, so the knee may look almost normal on arrival. The danger is the popliteal artery behind the knee, which can be stretched or torn even when the foot still has a pulse at first. An artery injury that is not found and repaired quickly can threaten the leg.

The nerve that controls lifting the foot can also be injured, and severe swelling can cause compartment syndrome, where pressure in the leg muscles cuts off their blood supply.

Warning signs on the way to hospital

• The foot or lower leg feels cold, looks pale or bluish
• Numbness, tingling or inability to move the foot or toes
• Pain in the calf that is severe and getting worse, especially when the toes are moved
• Rapidly increasing swelling of the calf

Tell the emergency team about any of these straight away.

After the emergency phase

Once circulation has been confirmed and the knee is stabilised, the injured ligaments need a specialist plan. Many patients are referred for multi-ligament assessment within the first days to weeks. Dr. Gelber sees these patients at Aman Hospital in Doha after the emergency care, reviews the scans and plans repair or reconstruction at the right time.