[Extra-articular fractures near the knee and concomitant knee damage]

While the prognosis of intra-articular fractures of the knee joint is determined by the reconstruction of the articular surfaces, ligamentous damage and resulting joint instability is a main problem with extra-articular fractures neighbouring the knee. In a follow-up of 43 cases of A 1-3 fractures according to the AO/ASIF classification, 37.2% of the patients revealed concomitant ligamentous damage. Especially supracondylar femoral fractures and the avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligament are at higher risk.--Ligamentous ruptures accompanying avulsion fractures should be treated primarily according to the rules of knee joint surgery. In cases of supracondylar femoral fractures after open reduction and internal fixation the recovery of knee joint motion is more important than joint stability. Therefore ligamentous repair has to be performed secondarily if necessary.