Karlstrom and Olerud described a functional assessment following repair of a floating knee, a term used to describe ipsilataral fracture of the femur and tibia.
Patient selection: status post repair of floating knee
Parameters:
(1) subjective symptoms in the lower extremity
(2) subjective symptoms in the knee or ankle joints
(3) walking ability
(4) ability to engage in work or sports
(5) angulation and/or rotational deformity
(6) shortening of the affected lower extremity
(7) restrictred joint mobility
Parameter
Excellent Outcome
Good Outcome
symptoms leg
none
intermittent, mild
symptoms joints
none
intermittent, mild
walking ability
unimpaired
intermittent, mild
work or sport
same as before accident
work same as before accident, give up some sport
angulation or rotation
none
less than 10 degrees
shortening
none
less than 1 cm
resticted joint mobility at ankle
none
less than 10 degrees
restrictred joint mobility at hip and/or knee
none
less than 20 degrees
Parameter
Acceptable Outcome
Poor Outcome
symptoms leg
moderate to severe with impaired function
considerable impairment with pain at rest
symptoms joints
moderate to severe with impaired function
considerable impairment with pain at rest
walking ability
restricted distance
needs can, crutch or other support
work or sport
change to less strenuous work
permanent disability
angulation or rotation
10 to 20 degrees
> 20 degrees
shortening
1 to 3 cm
> 3 cm
resticted joint mobility at ankle
10 to 20 degrees
> 20 degrees
restricted joint mobility of hip and/or knee
20 to 40 degrees
> 40 degrees
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