Bilateral congenital dislocation of the knees:

a case report

  • Sergio Fabián Ramírez Sastre Clínica de Traumatología y Ortopedia Pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay. Instituto Nacional de Ortopedia y Traumatología (INOT), Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • Soledad Acerenza Traumatóloga, Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Montevideo, Uruguay
  • Germán Marrero Pérez Profesor Adjunto de la Clínica de Traumatología y Ortopedia Pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • Maria Elena Pérez Profesor Adjunto de la Clínica de Traumatología y Ortopedia Pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Keywords: Congenital knee dislocation, Bilateral congenital knee dislocation, Pediatric orthopedics, Prenatal diagnosis, Congenital

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital knee dislocation is a rare condition characterized by hyperextension and anterior displacement of the tibia, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 100,000 live births. Its etiology is multifactorial and may occur as an isolated deformity, associated with other musculoskeletal anomalies, or as part of complex syndromes. 
Case report: We present a male patient diagnosed prenatally with bilateral genu recurvatum. At birth, bilateral grade III congenital knee dislocation was confirmed. After failure of conservative treatment with manipulation and serial casting, bilateral open reduction was performed without extensor mechanism reconstruction. Postoperative evolution was favorable, with progressive quadriceps recovery, achievement of motor milestones, and autonomous walking at 17 months.
Conclusion: Although rare, congenital knee dislocation requires early diagnosis and management. Open reduction without extensor mechanism repair may be a valid treatment alternative in severe cases, offering satisfactory functional outcomes. 

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Published
2026-02-23
How to Cite
Ramírez Sastre, S. F., Acerenza, S., Marrero Pérez, G., & Pérez, M. E. (2026). Bilateral congenital dislocation of the knees: : a case report. Anales De La Facultad De Medicina, 13(1), e404. https://doi.org/10.25184/anfamed2026v13n1a7