Twelve patients with congenital dislocation of the knee (nineteen knees) were studied.
Genetic factors appear to predominate in the etiology of the condition, although the effects of environment on the fetus cannot be entirely discounted. The condition is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies and has a higher incidence in females than in males. It is relatively rare compared with congenital dislocation of the hip, but in many ways these two anomalies are similar.
Congenital dislocation of the knee is, in essence, a dislocation of the proximal part of the tibia anterior to the articular surface of the femur. With the less severe deformities, excellent results are obtained by early treatment with conservative measures. The technique of open reduction, when indicated, is varied according to the deformity. In one knee with a severe long-standing deformity arthrodesis was necessary.