Abstract
Flexion Deformity of knee is the most common deformity in post polio residual deformity. Wilson's release, supracondylar osteotomy etc have been described for its treatment. We present our result of fractional hamstring lengthening followed by gradual distraction using threaded rod in hollow tube to treat flexion deformity of knee. This retrospective study included 150 cases (80 males and 70 females) with the mean of 15 years (8-22yrs). The mean duration of deformity was 6 years (2 – 14yrs) with mean follow up 0f 3 years. The mean preoperative flexion deformity was 45degree (110 – 30 degree) with a mean pre operative further flexion of 110 degree (130 – 90) .20 cases were had a crawling gait and 10 cases were wheel chair bound. Flexion got corrected to 0 degree in 110 cases (P value <0.01). Post operative mean arc of motion was 80degree We had 10 cases who could not tolerate plaster and hence were put on traction . 20 cases had knee stiffness on removal of plaster which could not improve on physiotherapy. 10 cases had superficial infection cured with dressings.
Our findings indicate that this method is very effective in the treatment of flexion deformity of knee with complication of knee stiffness in older cases
