[Intra- and postoperative fractures in alloarthroplastic knee replacement]

In contrast to aseptic and septic loosening intra- and postoperative fractures of the femur rsp. the tibia represent rare complications of total knee replacement. Between 1971 und 1986 we implanted altogether 163 knee prostheses; 7 times (6 patients) happened a fracture of the femur or the tibia (3 times intra-, 4 times postoperatively). Those complications are described by special case reports. Intraoperative fractures are mainly referred to not very subtle operative technique. Concerning postoperative fractures prosthesis specific factors and non specific circumstances have to be differentiated.