OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical outcome of floating knee injury treated by open reduction and internal fixation.

METHODSThe course of treatment of floating knee in 78 cases by open reduction and internal fixation were reviewed. There were 59 males and 19 females, aged from 17 to 58 years old, with an average age of 37.5 years. Intramedullary nail, pressure plate hollow screw, multi-function single side external fixation holder and other internal fixature were used in the operation. Early exercises were followed postoperatively.

RESULTSAll patients were followed-up for 8 to 35 months (mean 18.6 months). According to the criterion of Karlström, of the 48 cases with femoral shaft fracture, 45 were excellent and 3 were good. In the 11 cases of bimalleolar fracture, 5 were excellent, 3 good, 1 fair and 2 bad. Of the 19 cases of mixed fracture, 9 were excellent,6 good, 3 fair and 1 bad.

CONCLUSIONStrict sterilization, non-invasion and standard internal and external fixation could make the fracture anatomical reduction and firm fixation. It is beneficial to early rehabilitation exercise. Complications such as malunion, and stiff joint could be avoided. The clinical outcome were satisfactory.