Eighteen traumatic dislocations of the knee treated at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center in recent years have been analyzed.

The findings in this series differ from those in some of the studies reported in the literature. No one individual has had enough experience to make definitive statements concerning the treatment of this injury. In our series, all of the knees, except one with massive scarring, that did not undergo surgical repair of all torn ligaments were unstable and symptomatic at follow-up.

The following plan of treatment is suggested:

1. Immediate closed reduction and examination of the knee for stability under anesthesia;

2. Early operative repair of all torn ligaments, including the posterior cruciate ligament and all capsular tears, especially the posterior capsule—the importance of the latter as a stabilizing component of the knee is emphasized;

3. Careful monitoring of the vascular status of the leg is imperative;

4. Arteriography followed by early explorations of the popliteal vessels, if there is any doubt as to the adequacy of the circulation, is maisdatory if amputation is to be avoided;

5. Immobilization in a plaster cast for at least six weeks after operation with supported weight-bearing for an additional six weeks is recommended.