Presentation
Gustilo type IIIC open fracture of the left lower leg after a motorcycle accident. Obvious deformity of the left thigh.
Patient Data
Radiographs were performed with great limitations due to the patient's clinical status. Radiographs confirmed the suspected diaphyseal femoral fracture. Lower leg and ankle radiographs revealed segmental fractures of the tibia and fibula. The presence of ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia characterize a floating knee.
Some artifacts are present on the radiographs: moldable splints, head blocks, and coins.
Radiographs performed on immediate post-op. The patient underwent open reduction and external fixation of the femur and tibia.
Backhaus clamp was under the patient's thigh.
Case Discussion
Floating knee injuries are usually associated with high-energy trauma.
The combined ipsilateral fractures of both the femoral and tibial shafts have higher rates of vascular injury and open fractures than the isolated fractures.
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