Blake and McBryde described the "floating knee" that occurs when there are simultaneous fractures of the femur and tibia.
Description of Injury
Type
Term
isolated diaphyseal fractures through the femur and tibia
I
"true"
fractures of the femur and tibia with involvement of a major joint (hip, knee, and/or ankle)
II
"variant"
Facts about these fractures:
(1) They usually are the result of a high velocity accident.
(2) They are usually accompanied by other severe injuries (musculoskeletal, visceral, vascular, others).
(3) Poor outcomes are common despite optimum management.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general
