[Ligament lesions of the knee--also a typical occupational injury]

Critical evaluation of 62 patients totalizing 63 operations with acute traumatic rupture of knee ligaments in a predominantly rural population. In 21 cases (30%) the lesions have been the result of typical work-injuries. A specific older group of patients was concerned (average age 50.2 years). 75% of these cases presented additional intrarticular lesions at operation. The postoperative evaluation 1-5 years later confirmed the heavy use of the knees in this rural population. We therefore strongly advocate an early primary repair of the ruptured ligaments of the knee especially in work-injuries and the use of a limited motion cast.