Irreducible knee dislocation treated by arthroscopic debridement.

This case report introduces arthroscopic debridement as a new method of treating an irreducible knee dislocation. The clinical presentation of 2 patients with irreducible knee dislocations, including history, physical examination, a clinical photograph, radiographs, and magnetic resonance images, is presented. As well, intraoperative arthroscopic photographs are included that show the effectiveness of the treatment. A review of the literature reveals that irreducible knee dislocations are rare. The finding of a skin furrow along the joint line was present in all cases. Past treatment usually involved an open procedure to remove the capsuloligamentous structures from the joint. We show that arthroscopy with debridement of these structures resulted in reduction of the joint. Follow-up arthroscopy in 1 patient showed healing of the previously debrided ligament. The ability to debride the interposed soft tissue through the arthroscope allows for reduction of the joint without the need for an open procedure.