Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Introduction: “Floating knee”, referred to as ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia, is usually associated with several complications and mortality. The aim of our study to evaluate the type of fracture in floating knee injury and associated injuries along with the injury and the best treatment method along with basic protocol for its management. Materials and Methods: Study included 35 patients with floating knee injuries, 32 males and 3 females, belonging to 30 to 60 years of age group. The modified Fraser's classification was used to classify fracture, open fractures were classified according to Gustilo & Anderson's classification. Most of the floating knee injuries were treated with intramedullary (IM) nailing for both the femur and tibia fractures. Other modes of treatment included dynamic hip screw fixation, tibia and femur plate fixation and external fixation for open fractures, followed by secondary procedure. No patient required amputation and patients were followed for 12 months after surgery. Patients were assessed for clinical and radiological union of the fractures. The result was assessed by the Karlstrom criteria. Results: Out of 35 patients, 21 patients had Fraser type 1 fracture and 14 had Fraser Type 2 fractures (2A Type= 5, 2BType =4 and 2C Type = 5). Fraser type-1 have shown good results while Fraser type 2 showed acceptable results with somepoor results due to joint involvement. Closed fractures showed good results. Conclusion: Floating knee injuries should be surgically stabilized with appropriate fixation methods. IM nailing in closed extra articular fractures produced good results and early functional recovery.