• Bruce A Levy, Khaled A Dajani, Daniel B Whelan, James P Stannard, Gregory C Fanelli, Michael J Stuart, Joel L Boyd, Peter A MacDonald, and Robert G Marx.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. levy.bruce@mayo.edu
• Arthroscopy. 2009 Apr 1; 25 (4): 430-8.

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to address the treatment of multiligament knee injuries, specifically (1) surgical versus nonoperative treatment, (2) repair versus reconstruction of injured ligamentous structures, and (3) early versus late surgery of damaged ligaments.MethodsTwo independent reviewers performed a search on PubMed from 1966 to August 2007 using the terms "knee dislocation," "multiple ligament-injured knee," and "multiligament knee reconstruction." Study inclusion criteria were (1) levels I to IV evidence, (2) "multiligament" defined as disruption of at least 2 of the 4 major knee ligaments, (3) measures of functional and clinical outcome, and (4) minimum of 12 months' follow-up, with a mean of at least 24 months.ResultsFour studies compared surgical treatment with nonoperative treatment. There was a higher percentage of excellent/good International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores (58% v 20%) in surgically treated patients, as well as higher rates for return to work (72% v 52%) and return to full sport (29% v 10%). Two studies compared repair with reconstruction of damaged structures, with similar mean Lysholm scores (88 v 87) and excellent/good IKDC scores (51% v 48%). However, repair of the posterolateral corner had a higher failure rate (37% v 9%). Similarly, repair of the cruciates yielded decreased stability and range of motion and a lower return to preinjury activity levels (0% v 33%). There were 5 studies comparing early surgery (ConclusionsOur review suggests that early operative treatment of the multiligament-injured knee yields improved functional and clinical outcomes compared with nonoperative management or delayed surgery. Repair of the posterolateral corner may yield higher revision rates compared with reconstruction.

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