Ortho Oracle - orthopaedic operative atlas
Home » Bones » Tibia and Fibula » Floating Knee Injuries (ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft frx)

Floating Knee Injuries (ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft frx)

- Discussion:
    - in the majority of cases, there will be an open fracture of either the femur or tibia;
    - multiple injuries are common and hospital stays can last over one month;
    - amputation may be required in upto 20-30% of cases;

- Technical Considerations:
    - femoral shaft frx is usually addressed first (IM nailing in most cases), while the tibia is temporarily stabilized w/ femoral distractor or a sterile splint;
    - consider retrograde nailing of the femoral shaft, so that the same incision can be used to nail the tibia;


The "floating knee" in children.

Ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia. A report of fifty-seven consecutive cases.

Ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia treated in a quadrilateral cast brace.

Ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia.

The floating knee: Ipsilateral fractures of the tibia and femur.