Recent publication: Establishing the indications for temporising knee-spanning external fixation: A modified Delphi study of the International Knee Dislocation Study Group
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Waterman recently contributed to a new publication in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy examining when temporary knee-spanning external fixation should be used in the early treatment of knee dislocations.
Knee dislocations are serious injuries that can involve major ligament damage, instability, fractures, soft tissue injury, and vascular compromise. In certain cases, a temporary external fixator may be used to hold the knee in proper alignment while additional treatment planning, vascular care, soft tissue management, or later reconstruction is performed.
Using a modified Delphi consensus process, the study gathered input from 23 orthopedic surgeons in the International Knee Dislocation Study Group. The findings support a selective approach rather than routine use of external fixation. Experts agreed that external fixation is most appropriate when the knee cannot maintain proper alignment, when instability persists after reduction, when certain fracture-dislocations remain unstable, or when vascular or severe soft tissue injuries require added protection.
Dr. Waterman’s participation in this international study reflects his continued commitment to advancing evidence-informed care for complex knee injuries and multiligament knee reconstruction.
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