[Malunited juvenile fractures in the knee joint region]

There is a tendency for malunion to occur in fractures of the knee region in children because the growth plates are often affected. Leg length discrepancies are reported in more than 50% of the children and axis deviations in 20-40%. The prognostic significance of epiphyseal lesions is described (not always accurately) by the classifications of Salter and Harris or Aitken. Treatment is mostly directed at leg-length discrepancies and axis deviations by resection of callus formations, epiphysiodeses and osteotomies. A complete bone growth history is necessary to plan the operative procedure.