A 35-year-old female slipped on the stairs and presents with pain in her left knee. She is unable to bear weight on the leg and the knee appears to be misshapen. What is the likely diagnosis and what are the next steps?
This presentation is suggestive of a knee dislocation, which can cause severe pain and inability to bear weight. This condition is a medical emergency due to the risk of damage to the popliteal artery. An immediate X-ray should be obtained to confirm the dislocation and identify any associated fractures. However, vascular status should be evaluated immediately, even before imaging. If confirmed and there are no contraindications, the knee should be reduced as soon as possible, and an arteriogram should be considered after reduction.