Abstract
Between 1997 and 2003, five patients with acquired knee flexion contractures were treated by gradual soft tissue distraction using the Ilizarov external fixator.
Two patients presented following burns, two following septic arthritis of the knee and one after poliomyelitis. The mean age was 8.2 years (5 to 12). All patients had a fixed flexion contracture of the knee of 90°. The mean duration of fixator application was 4 months. No soft tissue releases or bony surgical procedures were performed. When the external fixator was removed, the mean residual knee flexion deformity was 2°. Follow-up after removal of the fixator averaged 5 months. The mean loss of correction was 15° (0° to 30°). Two patients developed mild pin-tract sepsis, which was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Compared to preoperative status, energy-efficient mobility was markedly improved in all patients.
Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.
