[Ligament ruptures of the lower extremity in the elderly]

There is an increasing incidence of ligament ruptures of the lower extremities in older patients. This higher incidence is caused by the typical current demographic changes in the population and the higher level of activity and athletic motivation of the older people in our society. In this review we address the most important ligament ruptures of the lower extremity in the old patient. Quadriceps tendon and Achilles tendon ruptures are mostly the result of degenerative and abrasion changes. The ACL rupture on the other hand occurs spontaneously after adequate trauma and without former degenerative changes especially in highly active patients. For a differentiated treatment of the older patient with tendon ruptures, secondary diseases, an increased risk and complication profile and a potentially decreased compliance during rehabilitation must be taken into consideration before indicating operative or conservative therapy. There are no strict age-related limitations for indication of an operative treatment of tendon ruptures in the older patient. In this patient group a differentiated treatment decision is recommended.