Abstract
Extension contracture of knee is a disabling deformity in Indian population. The cause for the contracture may be congenital or acquired. The treatment for the contracted quadriceps is quadriceps release which is done either proximally or distally. The latter method is common and in adults it leaves quadriceps lag.
The method was originally described by Judet in 1932. It is modified and used in this series. It is a stepwise procedure :
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Lateral release and joint adhesiolysis;
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Medial release and joint adhesiolysis;
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Rectus release;
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Entire quadriceps slide from proximal to distal.
Thirty six patients with extension contracture of the knee have been undergone surgical release. There were 27 males and 9 females. 32 patients were adults and four were children. The aetilogy was post-traumatic in 31 out of which two were following epiphyseal injury. There were three cases of arthrogryposis, and one each of post osteomyelitic and post TKR. The age group ranged from 5 years to 45 years. Male:Female ratio was 27:9.
All patients were followed from minimum period of one year. One arthrogrypotic child developed skin necrosis which healed by secondary intention. Thirty-three patients achieved 0 to 120 degrees of ROM. Two of the arthrogrypotic patients obtained 0 to 60 and last patient had only 20. None of the patients had quadriceps lag. Judet quadricepsplasty has been demonstrated to be very effective in treating contractures of the knee.
Correspondence should be addressed to Editorial Secretary Mr ML Costa or Assistant Editorial Secretary Mr B.J. Ollivere at BOA, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England; Email: mattcosta@hotmail.com or ben@ollivere.co.uk
