Multiligamentous Knee Injuries in the Military Tactical Athlete

Background: Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are complex and relatively rare injuries that pose significant challenges, especially for military personnel aiming to return to active duty. These injuries are often the result of high-impact activities in military operations, leading to a diverse pattern of damage that can complicate recovery. Literature indicates that military service members frequently encounter additional complications due to concurrent injuries in the same limb or systemic trauma, making the management of MLKIs particularly complex. Despite the prevalence of these injuries in high-demand populations, there is a notable lack of high-quality evidence to guide treatment protocols, highlighting the need for focused review of both civilian and military literature to inform best practices. Methods: The authors conducted a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature on MLKIs, emphasizing both military and civilian studies. Their goal was to gather evidence-based insights that could be specifically applied in a military context. This review included an assessment of injury mechanisms, treatment options, rehabilitation protocols, and outcomes related to various intervention strategies. Results: Findings show that MLKIs encompass a wide range of injury patterns, from low-energy sports injuries to high-energy traumas observed in military operations. The review indicates that surgical intervention is often essential for optimal recovery, with techniques such as ligament reconstruction being common. However, the success of these surgeries can be influenced by factors like patient age, activity level, and the presence of other injuries. Rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery, and comprehensive programs addressing both physical and psychological aspects are essential for restoring service members to pre-injury functional levels. The authors emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches involving orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and mental health professionals to enhance recovery outcomes. Conclusion: Consequently, MLKIs present significant challenges for tactical military athletes due to their complexity and the demanding nature of service. This review underscores the need for improved evidence-based treatment protocols specifically tailored for this population. Furthermore, future research should focus on generating high-quality data to guide clinical decision-making and optimize recovery strategies for individuals affected by these debilitating injuries.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multiligamentous knee injuries ، military athletes ، orthopedic surgery ، rehabilitation ، injury management