Fractures of the knee region in childhood and adolescence are rare but are an important group of injuries due to the high incidence of secondary complications from growth disturbances. Meticulous primary diagnostics and fracture treatment with clear indications for surgical treatment are essential for avoiding posttraumatic deformities, although these can occur even despite correct primary treatment and are therefore inherent to specific fractures and therefore often unavoidable. In cases of growth disturbance where a deformity is imminent or has already taken place, watchful waiting until closure of the growth plate is only rarely indicated due to the progress made in directing growth via surgical means. Even surgeons who are primarily working in the field of fracture treatment must be aware of current strategies for correction of posttraumatic deformities in order to prevent or treat them in time or at least be able to prophylactically inform patients and parents during primary fracture treatment.
Keywords: Complications; Epiphysis; Fractures; Growth disorders; Posttraumatic deformity.