[Arthroscopy-assisted management of knee fractures]

Minimally invasive and arthroscopic procedures have become an integral part of orthopedics and arthroscopy of the knee in particular has extensively evolved during recent years. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to show the indications and possibilities and also the limitations of arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation of the knee joint. Based on the literature and our own experiences we consider the following indications for arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation in the knee to be appropriate: 1) simple fractures of the tibial plateau, depression fractures of the tibial plateau and simple fractures of the patella, 2) arthroscopic control of reconstruction of the articular surface in complex fractures, 3) bony avulsions of the posterior or anterior cruciate ligament, 4) osteochondral flakes, 5) therapy of concomitant intra-articular lesions in fractures of the knee joint and 6) arthroscopy in posttraumatic situations. The various indications are discussed in relation to the current literature and on the basis of case reports. Arthroscopy is not only an assisting and helpful instrument in the therapy of fractures of the knee joint but in some cases it is also indispensable to guarantee optimal fracture management.