Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The MR dimple sign in irreducible posterolateral knee dislocations

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Skeletal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

While posterolateral knee dislocation is a rare entity, its identification has important implications. The invagination of skin seen in posterolateral knee dislocations is referred to as the “dimple sign” on physical exam. We report a case where the “dimple sign” was also demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging. Failure to recognize this finding on imaging will render the knee irreducible, as a result of interposed tissues, until discovered by the orthopedic surgeon intraoperatively. The incarcerated medial capsule and medial collateral ligament could also be misinterpreted as torn meniscus, as occurred in our case.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Reckling FW, Peltier LF. Acute knee dislocations and their complications. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004;422:135–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Anderson RL. Dislocation of the knee: report of four cases. Arch Surg. 1943;46:598–601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Annandale T. On 3 cases of dislocation of the knee-joint. Lancet. 1881;ii:903.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Birkett J. Compound dislocation of the knee. Lancet. 1850;2:703.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Brennan JJ, Krause ME, MacDonald WF. Irreducible posterolateral dislocation of the knee with grossly intact cruciate ligaments. Am J Surg. 1962;104:117.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Clarke HO. Dislocation of the knee joint with capsular interposition. Proc R Soc Med. 1942;35:759.

    PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Griswold AS. Irreducible dislocations of the knee joint. J Bone Joint Surg. 1951;33A:787.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Nystrom M, Samimi S, Ha’Eri GB. Two cases of irreducible knee dislocation occurring simultaneously in two patients and a review of the literature. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992;277:197–200.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Quinlan AG, Sharrard WJW. Posterolateral dislocation of the knee with capsular interposition. J Bone Joint Surg. 1958;40B:660.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Shields L, Mital M, Cave EF. Complete dislocation of the knee: Experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital. J Trauma. 1969;9:192.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Taylor AR, Arden GP, Rainey HA. Traumatic dislocation of the knee: a report of forty-three cases with special reference to conservative treatment. J Bone Joint Surg. 1972;54B:96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Tsiagadigui JG, Sabri F, Sintzoff S, Schuind F. Magnetic resonance imaging for irreducible posterolateral knee dislocation. J Orthop Trauma. 1997;11(6):457–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Watson-Jones R. Fractures and Joint Injuries, vol. 2. Edinburgh: E & S. Livingston; 1955. p. 760.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Cooper A. A treatise on dislocations and fractures of the joints. 1st ed. Boston: Lilly, Wait, Carter and Hendee; 1824. p. 198.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Gibson W. The Institutes and Practice of Surgery, being the Outlines of a Course of Lectures, vol. 1. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea, and Carey; 1827. p. 398–402.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Resnick DL, Kang HS, Pretterklieber ML. Internal Derangements of Joints. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders-Elsevier, 2007: p.1927.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, 16001 W 9 Mile Road, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA

    Ali Harb & Denis Lincoln

  2. Department of Orthopedics, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, 16001 W 9 Mile Road, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA

    Jefferey Michaelson

Authors
  1. Ali Harb
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Denis Lincoln
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jefferey Michaelson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ali Harb.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Harb, A., Lincoln, D. & Michaelson, J. The MR dimple sign in irreducible posterolateral knee dislocations. Skeletal Radiol 38, 1111–1114 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-009-0729-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-009-0729-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation