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Tibial dislocation: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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ICD-10 code
S83.1. Dislocation of knee joint.
What causes a sprained ankle?
They occur as a result of direct and indirect trauma mechanisms under the influence of significant mechanical force. In order for the articular surfaces of the thigh and shin to separate, all or almost all of the ligaments of the knee joint must be torn. When the shin is dislocated, the menisci are damaged, and sometimes the vascular-nerve bundle.
Symptoms of a dislocated ankle
Recognizing shin dislocations is not difficult. The lower limb is bayonet-shaped at the knee joint level. The latter is deformed, abnormally located condyles of the femur and shin are palpated. The knee joint is unstable. Active movements in it are impossible. The limb is shortened.
It is essential to check the pulsation in the arteries of the feet and the innervation of the leg and foot.
Where does it hurt?
Complications of ankle dislocation
Complications of a dislocated lower leg may include damage to the peroneal nerve, popliteal artery and vein.
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What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of dislocation of the tibia
Conservative treatment of tibia dislocation
Urgent removal of the dislocation under general or local anesthesia is indicated. The patient is placed on his back. The assistant fixes the patient's hip, and the surgeon applies traction to the shin bent at the knee joint. After stretching, the proximal part of the shin is moved back to the displacement, the limb is extended to an angle of 5-10°. The knee joint is punctured and the contents are removed.
A circular plaster cast is applied from the upper third of the thigh to the tips of the fingers for 8-10 weeks. From the 3rd day, UHF and static exercise therapy are prescribed. After 7-10 days, the patient is allowed to walk on crutches. After the immobilization is eliminated, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy procedures, active and passive exercise therapy, and hydrotherapy, but he must continue to walk on crutches without putting weight on the leg for another 3-4 weeks.
Surgical treatment of dislocation of the tibia
If instability of the knee joint persists, the maximum possible range of motion should be achieved and then the timing of plastic surgery of the damaged cruciate or collateral ligaments should be determined.