COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OPEN AND CLOSED FLOATING KNEE INJURIES

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional outcomes between floating knee injuries with open femur and tibia fractures and closed floating knee injuries. METHODS: Floating knee injuries (followed up and treated in our clinic) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: floating knee injuries with open femur and tibia fractures (Group 1) and floating knee injuries with closed femur and tibia fractures (Group 2). Patients were compared according to their demographic characteristics and clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Of 52 study patients, 28 had Group 1 injuries and 24, Group 2 injuries. We found a statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay between the two groups (p = 0.01) and a statistically significant difference in Karlström-Olerud functional scores between the groups (p = 0.02). We found osteomyelitis in five (17%) patients in Group 1 and in one (4%) patient in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Patients with floating knee injuries and open fractures showed poorer outcomes than those with closed fractures. Those with open floating knee injuries show complications more often and longer hospital stays. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.