Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita is a rare congenital disorder associated with multiple musculoskeletal contractures which causes substantial morbidity. Knee involvement is commonly seen among children with arthrogryposis, with flexion contracture being the most frequent. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of orthopaedic procedures, namely distal femoral supracondylar extension osteotomy and/or Ilizarov external fixator, on the ambulation status of children with knee flexion contracture and whether any functional gains are maintained at the latest follow-up. Fifteen patients were identified and their medical records reviewed. The mean age at their first surgery was 7.6 years (range, 2-16 years). The etiology for all patients was amyoplasia. The mean length of follow-up was 58 months (range, 12-117 months). Contractures were treated with femoral extension osteotomy (n=8), Ilizarov external fixator (n=2), or both (n=5).Background
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