[Knee fractures in the adult]. / Fractures du genou de l'adulte.

In the adult, fractures of the knee are joint fractures. The knee is a weight-bearing joint, and its mobility and stability must be recovered quickly for good functional recuperation. Aside from X-ray investigations, the initial examinations seek vascular, nerve and cutaneous lesions. The existence of a bruise or a cutaneous break decides the therapeutic choice and timing. Fractures of the lower extremity of the femur (sub-, inter-, supra- or unicondyle) most often require open surgery for better restitution of the joint surfaces; for fractures of the tibial plate, whether uni-, spino- or bituberous, a graft must be associated in case of crushing fracture. Fractures of the patella require surgery in case of rupture of the extensor.