The case presented here illustrates the success of non-operative treatment. The patient exhibited several common findings for congenital knee dislocation to include premature birth and associated hip dislocation. Skin traction was used followed by splinting with resulting normal knee motion followed by treatment of the hips. No complications resulted from this treatment and the patient is a functional ambulator. Surgery is planned for congenital knee dislocation when failure to progress past 45 o flexion after 8 weeks or unable to reduce dislocation by manipulation or traction.
Patients needing surgery have poorer result.
D.J. Early operation for congenital subluxation of the knee. Bell, M. J., Atkins, R.M., Sharrard, W.J.W. Irreducable congenital dislocation of the knee. Johnson, E., Audell, R. Congenital dislocation of the knee. Lovell and Winter. Lippincott Press, Philadelphia.