Abstract
Periprosthetic fractures of the knee joint are relatively rare complications. Considering, however, the increasing number of implantations and an overall aging of the population, they gain an increasing importance.
Depending on the fractured part of the knee joint (supracondylar, tibia or patella) different classification systems exist, which describe the fracture pattern, its location and course, the number of fragments, existing osteolysis and the quality of the bone, the time of fracture and the stability of the implant. Most important are those fracture classifications on the basis of which therapeutic strategies may be derived.
In this article, therefore, classification systems and the resulting appropriate treatment options for the fractures are presented.