[Damage to the knee ligament as a concomitant injury in femoral shaft fractures].

Knee ligament injuries associated with femoral shaft fractures can severely influence the functional results of treatment. In a follow-up of 59 operatively treated femoral shaft fractures 18.6% of the patients revealed ligamentous damages. In all cases one or both of the cruciate ligaments were injured. Especially polytraumatized car front-seat passengers are at higher risk with 30.8% ligament ruptures. While only 61.6% of the ligament injuries were primarily diagnosed, the testing of knee joint stability after osteosynthesis of a femoral fracture is essential. Furthermore arthroscopy should be performed if there is any hint of ligamentous damage. The ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament and the ligamentous avulsion fractures can be successfully treated on by operative means.