Knee-ligament injuries associated with leg fractures. Prospective study.

It has been proved in 25-35% of the cases that knee-ligament injuries are associated with fracture of the femoral diaphysis. No such association has been confirmed between leg fractures and knee ligaments. In order to find out if this is a coincidence, a prospective study was conducted on 229 patients who had undergone operations for leg fractures at various locations and of variable intensity. It was established in 41 cases (17.34%) that the leg fracture was associated with knee-ligament injuries, resulting in joint instability. A significantly higher percentage of associated ligament lesions was found in open fractures as opposed to closed leg fractures. The examination was carried out with the patient under general or block anesthesia. On the basis of what was established it is recommended that the knee be examined clinically in all leg osteosynthesis cases.