Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

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

  • Iain Robert Murray
  • , Navnit S. Makaram
  • , Andrew G. Geeslin
  • , Jorge Chahla
  • , Gilbert Moatshe
  • , Kay Crossley
  • , Michelle E. Kew
  • , Aileen Davis
  • , Maria Tuca
  • , Hollis Potter
  • , Dina C. Janse van Rensburg
  • , Carolyn A. Emery
  • , SeungPyo Eun
  • , Hege Grindem
  • , Frank R. Noyes
  • , Robert G. Marx
  • , Chris Harner
  • , Bruce A. Levy
  • , Enda King
  • , James L. Cook
  • Daniel B. Whelan, George F. Hatch, Christopher J. Wahl, Kristian Thorborg, James J. Irrgang, Nicolas Pujol, Michael J. Medvecky, Michael J. Stuart, Aaron J. Krych, Lars Engebretsen, James P. Stannard, Peter MacDonald, Romain Seil, Gregory C. Fanelli, Travis G. Maak, K. Donald Shelbourne, Evert Verhagen, Volker Musahl, Michael T. Hirschmann, Mark D. Miller, Robert C. Schenck, Robert F. LaPrade*
*Corresponding author for this work
  • Edinburgh
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Vermont
  • Rush University
  • University of Oslo
  • Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center
  • La Trobe University
  • Hospital for Special Surgery - New York
  • University of Toronto
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Cornell University
  • University of Pretoria
  • World Netball Foundation
  • University of Calgary
  • Dr. Eun’s Korea Orthopaedic Clinic
  • Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
  • Office of Health Technology 6
  • Orlando Regional Medical Center
  • Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Southern California
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • University of Copenhagen
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Centre Hospitalier de Versailles
  • Yale University
  • Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN
  • University of Manitoba
  • Centre Hopsitalier de Luxembourg
  • Luxembourg Institute of Health
  • Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
  • University of Utah
  • IU Health Methodist Hospital
  • Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS)
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
  • Kantonsspital Baselland
  • University of Virginia
  • University of New Mexico
  • Twin Cities Orthopedics

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

65 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a broad spectrum of pathology with potentially devastating consequences. Currently, disagreement in the terminology, diagnosis and treatment of these injuries limits clinical care and research. This study aimed to develop consensus on the nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation strategies for patients with MLKI, while identifying important research priorities for further study. An international consensus process was conducted using validated Delphi methodology in line with British Journal of Sports Medicine guidelines. A multidisciplinary panel of 39 members from 14 countries, completed 3 rounds of online surveys exploring aspects of nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and future research priorities. Levels of agreement (LoA) with each statement were rated anonymously on a 5-point Likert scale, with experts encouraged to suggest modifications or additional statements. LoA for consensus in the final round were defined’a priori’ if >75% of respondents agreed and fewer than 10% disagreed, and dissenting viewpoints were recorded and discussed. After three Delphi rounds, 50 items (92.6%) reached consensus. Key statements that reached consensus within nomenclature included a clear definition for MLKI (LoA 97.4%) and the need for an updated MLKI classification system that classifies injury mechanism, extent of non-ligamentous structures injured and the presence or absence of dislocation. Within diagnosis, consensus was reached that there should be a low threshold for assessment with CT angiography for MLKI within a high-energy context and for certain injury patterns including bicruciate and PLC injuries (LoA 89.7%). The value of stress radiography or intraoperative fluoroscopy also reached consensus (LoA 89.7%). Within treatment, it was generally agreed that existing literature generally favours operative management of MLKI, particularly for young patients (LoA 100%), and that single-stage surgery should be performed whenever possible (LoA 92.3%). This consensus statement will facilitate clinical communication in MLKI, the care of these patients and future research within MLKI.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBritish journal of sports medicine
Early online date2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multiligament knee injury (MLKI): an expert consensus statement on nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this