Table 3

Karlstrom criteria for functional assessment after management of floating knee injuries

CRITERION
EXCELLENT
GOOD
ACCEPTABLE
POOR

Subjective symptoms from thigh or leg
none
Intermittent slight symptoms
More severe symptom impairing function
Considerable functional impairment: pain at rest
Subjective symptoms from knee or ankle joint
none
Same as above
Same as above
Same as above
Walking ability
Unimpaired
Same as above
Walking distance restricted
Uses cane, crutch or other support
Work and sports
Same as before the accident
Given up some sport; work same as before accident
Change to less strenuous work
Permanent disability
Angulation, rotational deformity or both
0
<10 degrees
10 – 20 degrees
> 20 degrees
Shortening
0
< 1 centimetre
1 – 3 centimetres
> 3 centimetres
Restricted joint mobility
0
<10 degrees at ankle; <20 degrees at hip, knee or both
10 – 20 degrees at ankle; 20 – 40 at hip, knee or both
>20 degrees at ankle; >40 degrees at hip, knee or both

Rethnam et al. Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes 2007 1:2   doi:10.1186/1752-2897-1-2