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Knee dislocation with vascular injury — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal/Orthopedic emergenciesKnee dislocation with vascular injuryABEM Board

A 15-year-old boy arrives as ESI 2 after a football injury. His knee was dislocated and spontaneously reduced. DP pulse is palpable but weaker than the other side; ABI is 0.72. X-ray shows no fracture. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — CT angiography of the affected lower extremity

Reduced knee dislocation can injure the popliteal artery; abnormal ABI warrants CTA or vascular imaging despite palpable pulses.

Reference: AAOS trauma guidance; EAST vascular extremity trauma guidance