Infographic. Multiligament knee injury (MLKI) : an expert consensus statement on nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation

Abstract

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a heterogeneous spectrum of pathology. Clinical evaluation, diagnosis and management of these injuries remains controversial. In order to assess the existing literature evaluating the diagnosis and management of MLKIs, we performed a scoping review based on established methodology. This process established that the majority of the 417 articles identified relating to MLKI were composed of small retrospective studies, 30% were composed of narrative reviews presenting no original data and only 1% of articles represented level 1 evidence. Overall, 70% of included studies were published within the last 12 years, with over half (57%) originating from the USA. The lack of diversity within author and patient groups that comprise MLKI research was highlighted. Consistently contentious themes within MLKI management were highlighted, including nomenclature, choice of imaging, timing of surgical intervention, operative versus non-operative management and strategies for rehabilitation. Most importantly, this study highlighted a lack of current consensus on an accepted approach within multiple domains of management of MLKI.