Diagnosis and treatment of finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods of finger flexion contracture caused by three kinds of forearm flexor diseases.@*METHODS@#Between December 2008 and August 2021, 17 patients with finger flexion contracture were treated, including 8 males and 9 females, aged 5-42 years, with a median of 16 years. The disease duration ranged from 1.5 months to 30 years, with a median of 13 years. The etiology included 6 cases of Volkmann's contracture, all of which were flexion deformity of the 2nd to 5th fingers, accompanied by limitation of thumb dorsiflexion in 3 cases and limitation of wrist dorsiflexion in 3 cases; 3 cases of pseudo-Volkmann's contracture, including 2 cases of flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers, and 1 case of flexion deformity of ring and little fingers; 8 cases of ulnar finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations, all of which were flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers. Operations such as slide of flexor and pronator teres origin, excision of abnormal fibrous cord and bony prominence, and release of entrapped muscle (tendon) were performed. Hand function was evaluated according to WANG Haihua's hand function rating standard or modified Buck-Gramcko classification standard, and muscle strength was evaluated according to British Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength rating standard.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 1-10 years (median, 1.5 years). At last follow-up, 8 patients with contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations and 3 patients with pseudo-Volkmann's contracture achieved excellent hand function, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 6 cases and grade M4 in 5 cases. One patient with mild Volkmann's contracture and 3 patients with moderate Volkmann's contracture without severe nerve damage had excellent hand function in 2 cases and good in 2 cases, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 1 case and grade M4 in 3 cases. Two patients with moderate or severe Volkmann's contracture had poor hand function, with 1 case of muscle strength of grade M3 and 1 case of grade M2, which improved when compared with those before operation. The overall excellent and good rate of hand function and the proportion of patients with muscle strength of grade M4 and above were 88.2% (15/17), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The finger flexion contracture caused by different etiology can be differentiated by analyzing the history, physical examination, radiographs, and intraoperative findings. After different surgical treatments, such as resection of contracture band, release of compressed muscle (tendon), and downward movement of flexor origin, most patients have a good outcome.

Change of related functions and double lower limb length after total knee arthroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: There are many reasons for poor function after knee arthroplasty. Leg length discrepancy is one of them. The extent of influence on the function of knee joint after arthroplasty has not been fully studied. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the change degree, possible influencing factors and functional changes of leg length discrepancy in patients after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Totally 107 patients (124 knees), including 23 males and 84 females, were included from October 2016 to September 2018, who entered the Department of Orthopedics of Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University for total knee arthroplasty. There were 90 cases of unilateral total knee arthroplasty (90 knees) and 17 cases of bilateral total knee arthroplasty (34 knees). Three cases (6 knees) of bilateral total knee arthroplasty received separate treatment with an interval of more than 6 months, and entered the unilateral knee group. Therefore, there were 93 cases (96 knees) in the unilateral knee group, and 14 cases (28 knees) in the bilateral knee group. Patients signed the informed consent. This study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. At preoperative and postoperative 10 days and 6 months, full length anteroposterior radiographs were taken, and the length of the lower limb and hip-knee-ankle angle were measured and recorded. Angle of knee flexion contracture was measured and the hospital for special surgery knee score was recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The length of patients' lower limbs was increased by the correction of deformities after total knee arthroplasty. The length of lower limbs 10 days after surgery was longer than that at 6 months after surgery. The lower limbs of 70.2% of the patients were increased 10 days after total knee arthroplasty, and 79.0% of the patients were increased 6 months after total knee arthroplasty. At 10 days and 6 months postoperatively, the postoperative corrected flexion contracture angles were positively correlated with the change of postoperative lower limb length. (3) Limb lengthening on the operative side was positively correlated with increased hospital for special surgery knee score after surgery. (4) The incidence of leg length discrepancy before and after surgery was almost equal: 45.1 % preoperatively, 55.3% 10 days postoperatively, and 46.0% 6 months postoperatively. (5) The leg length discrepancy preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively was influenced by the difference of deformities between the pair of limbs. Preoperative influencing factors were the difference of hip-knee-ankle angle and flexion contracture of both lower limbs. The difference value of flexion contracture of both lower limbs was the factor affecting the leg length discrepancy 6 months after surgery. Leg length discrepancy before surgery and 6 months after surgery was affecting the difference of hospital for special surgery knee score between lower limbs.

Application of internal and external lysis combined with Ilizarov external fixation technology for severe knee pathological flexion contracture deformity in children / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of internal and external lysis combined with Ilizarov external fixation technology for severe knee pathological flexion contracture deformity in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on 12 children (12 knees) with severe knee pathological flexion contracture deformity who were treated with internal and external lysis and Ilizarov external fixation between August 2012 and January 2017. There were 9 boys and 3 girls with an age of 3-12 years (mean, 8.4 years). There were 8 cases of tuberculosis, 3 cases of haemophilia A, and 1 case of residual deformity after extensive hemangioma drug injection. The disease duration ranged from 5 months to 4 years, with an average of 20.3 months. The degree of knee contracture was (67.42±23.30)°, and the range of motion of knee was (38.33±14.98)°. The preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 78.42±15.57. The complication was observed after operation, and the degree of knee contracture, range of motion, and WOMAC score at 3 months and 1 year after operation were recorded and compared with those before operation. Results: The operations completed successfully in all children. All the 12 cases were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 14.5 months). All incisions healed by first intention after operation. The knee function of all children improved significantly and the weight-bearing walking function of the lower limbs restored. The degree of knee contracture, range of motion, and WOMAC score were significantly improved at 3 months and 1 year after operation (P0.05). Conclusion: For severe knee pathological flexion contracture deformity in children, application of internal and external lysis combined with Ilizarov external fixation has advantages, such as small trauma, rapid recovery, and early postoperative knee function training, and good effectiveness.

The modified antegrade digital artery island flap for severely flexion contracture of the burned finger / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of using modified antegrade digital artery island flap for the treatment of the severely flexion contracture of the burned finger.Methods Between August,2013 to August,2015,21 patients (21 fingers) with severely flexion contracture of the burned finger were hospitalized for treatment.According to the Stren classification standard for the interphalangeal joint flexion contracture,all the patients were rated as type Ⅲ.The volar soft-tissue defect with exposed tendons,nerves,vessels or bone ranged from 1.0 cm × 2.0 cm to 2.5 cm × 4.0 cm after scar relaxation.The artery and the nerve defect were 1.5 to 4.5 cm and 2.0 to 4.2 cm,respectively.The wound were reconstructed with the modified antegrade digital artery island flap.The dorsal branches of the proper digital nerve of the flap were anastomosised with the proper digital nerve of the wound.The flap donor site was resurfaced with full-thickness skin grafting from inner aspect of the forearm.All the cases were called back for postoperative follow-up.Results All the reconstructed fingers and flaps survived completely without vascular problems.The donor skin graft survived and wound healed by first intention.All the patients were followed up with 11.5 months (range,6-22 months).The finger appearance was satisfactory.The texture and color of flaps in all cases were good.There was no pigmentation and contraction relapse.The contracted fingers received no cold intolerance.At the final examination,the average values of static 2-point discrimination were 5.2 mm (range,4.3-6.5 mm) of the flap.In the series,based on the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire,18 patients were strongly satisfied with the injured finger appearance and 3 patients satisfied with the appearance.Conclusion The modified antegrade digital artery island flap,which is easy to raise with large flap size and can result with the good finger appearance and function,is an ideal technique for reconstruction of the severe flexion contracture of the burned finger.

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Severe Flexion Contracture in Rheumatoid Arthritis Knees

Flexion contracture deformities, as well as severe varus and valgus deformities of the knee joint, accompany osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, severe flexion contracture deformity of the knee joint is often found in patients with RA, which renders them nonambulatory. This report describes a 26-year-old female patient diagnosed with RA 10 years ago. She had chronic joint pain, severe flexion contracture, valgus deformity in both knees, and limited range of motion in both knees and became nonambulatory. She underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and serial casting and physical therapy to restore stable joint movement and correct knee joint deformity. Her pain was successfully relieved, and she was able to walk after surgery. Here, we report the excellent results of TKA in this RA patient with severe flexion contracture of both knees.

Comparative Effects of Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injection and Single-Shot Femoral Nerve Block on Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty and Factors Influencing Their Effectiveness

PURPOSE: This study compared the analgesic effects of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and femoral nerve block (FNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and assessed factors associated with analgesia obtained by these two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study subjects included 66 patients (72 knees) who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the amount of analgesics used, number of days to achieve 90° of flexion of the knee joint, date of initiating parallel-bar walking, range of motion of the knee joint at discharge, and adverse events were investigated. RESULTS: The VAS scores did not differ significantly between two groups, whereas the amount of analgesics used was significantly lower in the LIA group. Preoperative flexion contracture was significantly more severe in the LIA group with high VAS compared with low VAS. No serious adverse event occurred in the LIA or FNB group. CONCLUSIONS: The lower analgesic usage in the LIA group than the FNB group indicates that the analgesic effect of LIA was greater than that of singleshot FNB after TKA. There were no serious complications in either group. The postoperative analgesic effect of LIA was smaller in patients with severe than less severe preoperative flexion contracture.

Uso de férulas correctoras en la rigidez de la articulación interfalángica proximal como consencuencia de un traumatismo / Corrective splints in the stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal joint as a result of trauma

La pérdida de rango de movimiento pasivo (PROM) en las articulaciones interfalángicas de la mano es una secuela común tras lesiones traumáticas. A pesar de que el uso de férulas se ha convertido en una modalidad terapéutica ampliamente aceptada para mejorar el PROM, existe muy poca evidencia empírica que guíe en la prescripción de férulas. El presente estudio investiga el efecto del uso de férulas correctoras en contracturas en fexión de la articulación interfalángica proximal (IFP) de los dedos de la mano tras una lesión traumática. Diecisiete pacientes con una contractura en fexión de la IFP tras una lesión traumática como consecuencia de un accidente laboral participaron en este estudio experimental. Mediante un goniómetro digital se valoró el PROM de la articulación IFP de dichos pacientes y se les asignó de manera aleatoria a uno de los dos grupos de férulas. A los pacientes del grupo A se les colocó una férula de extensión dinámica de la IFP y a los del grupo B se les colocó una férula de extensión estática. El PROM de la articulación se volvió a valorar con un goniómetro en el momento en el que los pacientes recibieron el alta laboral. Los resultados indicaron mejorías signifcativas en ambos grupos en la corrección de la contractura en fexión (p<0,05). La diferencia entre los pacientes que usaron la férula dinámica frente a los que usaron la férula estática no fue estadísticamente signifcativa. Ambos tipos de férulas pueden ser recomendadas para el tratamiento de contracturas en fexión inferiores a 35º de la IFP tras una lesión traumática.

Reduced passive range of motion (PROM) of the interphalangeal joints of the hand is a common consequence after a traumatic injury.Although mobilizing splinting has become a rehabilitative approach widely accepted by therapists to improve PROM, limited empirical evidence is available to guide in its prescription. This study investigates the effect of corrective splinting on fexion contracture of the fnger proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) after a traumatic injury of the hand. Seventeen patients with fnger fexion contracture of the PIP as a result of an industrial accident participated in the experimental study. The passive range of motion of the PIP joint was measured with a fnger goniometer and patients were randomly allocated to one of two splint programs. Subjects in group A were given dynamic extension splints, and subjects in group B were given static splints. PROM was re- assessed with a goniometer once the patient was discharged and started working again. Results indicated signifcant improvement in both groups in the correction of the fnger fexion contracture (p<0,05). Patients with dynamic fnger extension splints did not differ signifcantly from those with static splints in extension gains. Both types of splints can be recommended for fexion contractures of 35 degrees or less in the PIP joint after a traumatic injury.

[RETRACTED ARTICLE] Post-traumatic flexion contractures of the elbow release via limited lateral.

Background: Varying surgical techniques, patient groups and results have been described regards the surgical treatment of post traumatic flexion contracture of the elbow. Aims & Objective: We present our experience using the limited lateral approach on patients with carefully defined contracture types. Materials and Methods: Surgical release of post-traumatic flexion contracture of the elbow was performed in 23 patients via a limited lateral approach. All patients had an established flexion contracture with significant functional deficit. Contracture types were classified as either extrinsic if the contracture was not associated with damage to the joint surface or as intrinsic if it was. Overall, the mean preoperative deformity was 55 degrees (95%CI 48 – 61) which was corrected at the time of surgery to 17 degrees (95%CI 12 – 22). Results: At short-term follow-up (7.5 months) the mean residual deformity was 25 degrees (95%CI 19 – 30) and at medium-term followup (43 months) it was 32 degrees (95%CI 25 – 39). This deformity correction was significant (p < 0.01). One patient suffered a postoperative complication with transient dysaesthesia in the distribution of the ulnar nerve, which had resolved at six weeks. Sixteen patients had an extrinsic contracture and seven an intrinsic. Although all patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery, patients with an extrinsic contracture had significantly (p = 0.02) better results than those with an intrinsic contracture. (28 degrees compared to 48 degrees at medium term follow up). Conclusion: Surgical release of post-traumatic flexion contracture of the elbow via a limited lateral approach is a safe technique, which reliably improves extension especially for extrinsic contractures. In this series all patients with an extrinsic contracture regained a functional range of movement and were satisfied with their surgery.

Correction of Long Standing Proximal Interphalangeal Flexion Contractures with Cross Finger Flaps and Vigorous Postoperative Exercises

PURPOSE: We reviewed the results of cross finger flaps after surgical release and vigorous postoperative exercises for long-standing, severe flexion contractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joints of fingers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 9 patients, all contracted tissue was sequentially released and the resultant skin defect was covered with a cross-finger flap. The cause of the contracture was contact burn in 4, skin graft in 3, and a previous operation in 2. The mean follow-up period was 41.2 months. RESULTS: The mean flexion contracture/further flexion in the joints were improved from 73.4/87.8degrees to 8.4/95.4degrees at the last follow-up. A mean of 19.5degrees of extension was achieved with vigorous extension exercise after the operation. The mean gain in range of motion (ROM) was 79.4degrees. Near full ROM was achieved in 3 cases. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: In severe flexion contractures with scarring of the PIP joints of fingers, cross finger flaps after sufficient release and vigorous postoperative exercise seems to be a reasonable option to obtain satisfactory ROM of the joints.

Effect of Decreasing Tibial Posterior Slope on the Extension-Gap during PS-TKA

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of decreasing tibial slope on extension gap during posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten cases of total knee arthroplasty which were done with posterior stabilized implant were included and we divided those into Group I; having flexion contracture (n=35) and Group II; no flexion contracture (n=75), and from each group, we evaluated the relationship between degree of decreased angle of tibial slope and frequency of additional resection of distal femur which was done for compensating insufficient extension gap during total knee arthroplasty and compared frequencies of additional distal femoral resections between 2 parts having more and less degree of decreased angle of tibial slope. RESULTS: In Group I and II, tibial slope decrease were 8.7degrees, 7.4degrees (p=0.145) and frequencies of additional resection were 51.4%, 24% (p=0.005) in average. Comparing 2 parts having more and less degree of decreased angle of tibial slope in each Group, frequencies of additional resection were 44.4%, 58.8% (p=0.505) and 13.2%, 35.1% (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: During posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty, especially having no preoperative flexion contracture, decreasing tibial slope can be considered as a factor influencing on extension gap by removing greater anterior bone and the estimation of predictable tibial slope decrease through preoperative radiologic findings can be helpful in creating equal flexion and extension gaps.

Relationship between the Arthritic Changes and a Deficiency of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Osteoarthritic Knees

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the arthritic changes and a deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in osteoarthritic knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2003 and January 2008, 815 cases of total knee arthroplasty that were due to degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee were enrolled in this study. Flexion contracture, the tibia-femoral angle, translocation of the tibial spine and erosion on the posteromedial tibial plateau were assessed and we tried to determine the relationship between these findings and an ACL-deficiency. RESULTS: The mean flexion contracture in the knees with a deficient ACL was 10.7degrees and this was 8.8degrees in the knees with an intact ACL, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). The tibia-femoral angle of the patients with an ACL-deficiency was 7.97degrees varus on average, and that for patients with an intact ACL was 4.38degrees varus, and the difference was found to be highly dependent upon the ACL's integrity (p=0.000). 77.6% of the knees with varus deformity exceeding 15degrees showed an abnormal ACL. Translocation of the tibial spine doesn't predict ACL integrity. Bone erosion on the posteromedial tibial plateau was significantly frequent in patients with ACL-deficient knees (p=0.000). For the knees with erosion on the posteromedial tibial plateau, 85% of these knees showed an ACL deficiency. CONCLUSION: Varus deformity exceeding 15degrees and erosion on the posteromedial tibial plateau can reflect ACL deficiency.

A clinical study of Ilizarov's technique for correcting severe flexion contracture of knee joint / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To explore the methods and effect of using Ilizarov'techniques for correcting severe flexion contracture of the knee joint.[Method]According to Ilizarov's tension-stress principle and its applying technique,the knee joint distraction apparatus was designed and fixed individually.The joint hinges of the apparatus on the two sides were consistent with the rotational center of the knee joint.Joint distraction of 5 to 10 mm was initially performed and followed by gradual correction of the knee joint flexion contracture at an average rate of 1 mm per day at the level of the knee joint by turning the nuts on the distraction rods at 3～4 rounds per day,with the distraction rate modified according to the patient's tolerance.Regular x-ray exams should be carried out to prevent knee joint dislocation and compression of the articular cartilage.The final requirement of correcting the soft tissue flexion deformity of the knee joint was to overcorrect the joint deformity into 5～10 degrees of hyperextension.As for the joint flexion with anterior bowing deformity of the distal femur,the degree of correcting the knee joint flexion contracture should deduce the degree of the bony deformity.The frame was left on for an additional 2 to 4 weeks.When the frame was removed,the knee joint was immediately casted in full extension for 3 to 4 weeks followed by the range of motion exercise on CPM to regain the knee motion and a long-leg brace was provided simultaneously to maintain the correction for 3 months.Secondary osteotomy was performed on anterior bowing deformity of the distal fermur in 8 patients.[Result]More than 30 degrees of severe flexion contracture of knee joint (mean?sd 58.50?21.28?) in 49 patients (52 knees ) were corrected to an average of 4.12?4.61 degrees after treatment.40 joints of 38 cases were followed for an average of 6.8 months,in which 28 joints maintain the postoperative effect.,while 12 joints had partial relapse of 9.30??8.24?.[Conclusion]Ilizarov's technique for correcting severe flexion contracture of the knee joint,can have satisfactory effect with little complications.It is mini-invasive,reliable and safe.

Evaluation of distraction apparatus for correcting flexion contractures deformities of the knee joint / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To study the safety,clinical effect and therapeutic characteristics of distraction apparatus for correcting flexion contracture deformities of the knee joint by evaluating the clinical outcomes and investigating the results of biomechanic test.[Method]Forty-nine patients (included 52 knees) were treated by the standardized distraction apparatus and the comprehensive assessment standard was adopted to evaluate the clinical outcomes.Five patients were examined by three-dimensional CT of the knee joints pre-operatively and post-operatively to observe the changes in the knee structure.To observe the effect of distraction on the popliteal artery and the limb nerves,the popliteal artery diameter and blood flow speed were examined in 15 patients and the regio cruris electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity were examined in 6 patients before and after treatment.Three different means of distraction and measurement were underwent in 3 patients so as to observe the changes in the flexion curve and force of posterior soft tissues of the knee.[Result]All patients (52 knees) regained congruous structure and better function,the final excellent and good result rate was 65%.Three-dimensional CT examination of 5 patients showed that the postoperative knee joint structures were superior to the preoperative ones and there weren't damage of articular surface.The statistic results indicated that the popliteal arteries weren't obviously disturbed by distraction,whereas the limb nerves were probably disturbed temporarily.Three methods of distraction and measurement in 3 patients showed different outcomes,indicating that the effect of distraction on soft tissues was influenced by the distraction method,the ages of patients and the extents of deformities of the limb.[Conclusion]The distraction speed of therapeutic method is safe,reasonable and effective in correcting flexion contracture of the knee joint;The distraction force on posterior soft tissues of the knee is influenced by various elements,thus,the distraction speed should be individualized.Low-load and steady stretch are advantageous to soft tissue regeneration and safer.

Arthroscopic Notchplasty in the Treatment of Flexion Contracuture of Early Osteoarthritic Knee ( a preliminary study ) / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Although causes of restriction of knee extension in osteoarthritis are thought to be contractures involving the posterior capsule and the hamstring muscles, intercondylar notch stenosis, osteophyte, loose body, and displacement of ruptured meniscus, few studies have investigated incidence and treatment. The purpose of this study is to consider intercondylar notch stenosis and anterior impingement as major causes of flexion contracture in osteoarthritic knee and to assess their relationship through arthroscopic notchplasty. We performed arthroscopic notchplasty and debridement in sixty patients (sixty-eight cases) with more than Sflexion contracture for early osteoarthritic knee and compared flexion contracture before and after operation. The average flexion contracture was 13degrees (5degrees-35degrees) before operation and 4degrees (0degrees- 25degrees) immediately after. An average of 9degrees improvement was shown, with 29 cases ( 48% ) showing improvement of over 5degrees. Our study indicates that flexion contracture in the 29 cases (48%) improved by arthroscopic notchplasty was caused by intercondylar notch stenosis and anterior impingement. Arthroscopic notchplasty may beneficially affect those with flexion contracture in early osteoarthritic knee when conservative management of this disease has failed. This is a preliminary study on the immediate postoperative outcome, therefore, long-term follow-up and recurrence rate should be investigated in future studies.

Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty in Severe Flexion Contracuture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The flexion contracture of knee was developed in long-standing knee joint arthritis like degenerative osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. One of the objectives in total knee replacement arthro-plasty (TKA) is to correct flexion deformity which is the frequent consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). We defined the severe flexion contracture as above 30degrees deformity of knee joint. A review of 337 primary TKA was carried out between August 1989 and March 1995. We found that such deformity was present in 106 Knees (31.5%) of knees before the operation. We analysed the changing pattern and amount of improvement in flexion contracture with 70 knees, which we can follow up over 1 year (average 28.9 months). We corrected flexion contracture deformity only 62.7% in RA (29.2degrees out of 46.5degrees) and 85% in OA (30.4degrees out of 36.8degrees ). So the remaining flexion contracture immediate after TKA is 17.3degrees in RA and 6.4degrees in OA. After the operation, we educate the patient and care person to perform the knee joint stretching by intermittent gentle passive extension exercise for residual flexion contracture. In RA, the remaining flexion contracture immediate after TKA would be improved in follow-up period. At 1 year after TKA, the degree of flexion contracture was not significantly different between in RA ( 7.4degrees) and OA ( 5.0degrees) (independent t-test, P>0.05). The angle of further flexion of knee joint was not increased after TKA compare to preoperative angle, but the range of motion of knee joint was increased, so the increased range of motion was influenced only by the corrected flexion contracture degree. The American Knee Society Knee and Function scores were improved after the TKA (P<0.05). So we recommand that in RA, there is no need to correct the severe flexion contracture completely and it is permissible to remained residual flexion contracture within 1/3 of initial deformity, but in OA, correct the flexion contracture deformity completely during TKA procedure as possible.

Ilizarov Correction for Knee Flexion Contracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Authors performed Ilizarov treatment for 9 cases of severse knee flexion contracture. The causes of knee flexion contracture were 2 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 2 cases of malunion of tibia and femur, 2 cases of infection sequelae, and 3 cases of hemophilic arthritis. The preoperative flexion contracture was av. 65.6 degrees(40-90 degrees). We started the correction at postoperative av. 3.88th day(2-12th day) after postoperative pain was controlled. After the deformity was corrected, the frame was left in place for av. 16.6 days(6-42 days). But in 2 cases of malunion of tibia and femur and 1 case of infection sequela, angular deformity and leg length discrepancy were managed after the correction of knee flexion contracture. The postcorrection flexion contracture was av. 2.6 degrees(0-10 degrees). The correction rate was av. 1.71 degrees/day(0.57-4.16 degrees/day) and the duration for correction was av. 51.1 days(12-85 days). After the follow-up period of av. 7.6 months from removal of Ilizarov, flexion contracture was av. 10.0 degrees(0-25 degrees). We conclude that the severe flexion contracture of the knee can be treated successfully with the Ilizarov correction. Limb shortening and neurovascular injuries can be avoided or minimized with the Ilizarov correction for flexion contracture of the knee as apposed to the other method. The recurrence of the flexion contracture of the knee may be prevented with the sufficient maintenance period.

Supracondylar Extension osteotomy for Knee Flexion Contracture by the Ilizarov Technique / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In patients with the sequele of poliomyelitis, pyogenic or tuberculous arthritis, or trauma, flexion contracture of the knee could be developed and many difficult problems would be met in treating them. Ilizarov suggested the method of gradual correction of deformities of bone after corticotomy-osteo- clasis, combined with gradual elongation of the shortened soft tissues, and the flexion contracture of knee & limb length discrepancy could be corrected simultaneously or sequentially following a sigle operative procedure. The authors have treated 25 patients with flexion contracture of the knee joint by the principle of Ilizarov treatment at the Sang Gye Paik Hospital between September 1991 and March 1994, The average preoperative flexion contracture of the knee joint, 25° (range, 10°

Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Knees with Fixed Flexion Contracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The authors reviewed 85 knees in 59 patients(9 males, 50 females) who had preoperative flexion contracture(FC) greater than 20° and taken total knee arthroplasty(TKA) at the Seoul National University Hospital from Jan.1987 to Dec.1992. We reviewed the surgical methods according to preoperative FC, changes of postoperative FC and range of motion, and clinical and radiologic findings. In our series, 48 knees were degenerative arthritis(average FC: 26°), 34 knees, rheumatoid arthritis(average FC: 40°)and 3 knees, others(average FC:28°). The average follow-up period was 2 years(range, 1 to 4(+8) years). Seventy three knees with FC less than 45 (Group I)had been treated with TKA accompanied with adequete soft tissue release, removal of osteophyte and appropriate bone resection. Eleven knees with FC greater than 50° (Group II) had been treated with skin traction followed by TKA. One knee with 65° of FC(Group III)was treated with posterolateral and posteromedial release including tendon lengthening at first, and then TKA in second stage. Preoperative FC was significantly greater in RA group than in DA group. Flexion contracture improved until postoperative 3 years in DA group and improved until postoperative 2 years and slightly deteriorated after then in RA group, but statistically insignificant(p>0.05). There was no difference of FC at postoperative 2 weeks and final follow-up between Group I and II. Range of motion improved until postoperative 2 years in DA group significantly(p 0.05) and deteriorated after then(p < 0.05). With TKA, range of motion increased significantly in both Group I and II and there was no difference of range of motion between Group I and II at final follow-up. Postoperative HSS score and pain score improved in DA and RA groups significantly, and final HSS score with greater in DA group than RA group(p < 0.05). Preoperative HSS score and pain score of Group I were significantly higher than those of Group II, but final follow-up, there was no difference between two groups. There was no correlation between final FC and HSS score. There was no difference in score of radiolucency between two groups in which final FC was greater and lesser than 10°. We thought that in knees with fixed flexion contracture, successful correction of moderate to severe flexion contracture and satisfactory result of total knee arthroplasty can be achieved by adequate soft tissue release, appropriate bone resection, and/or preoperative management.

Reconstruction of Knee in Long / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The microsurgical free vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was successfully applied in the correction of long-term flexion contracture of the left knee due to scalding burn on the paralyzed leg from poliomyelitis. The patient was a 21 year old male, who suffered from 70° of flexion contracture of the left knee due to scalding burn at the age of 7 years. He has had flaccid paralysis of both legs since the age of 2 years. and not been able to ambulate with bilateral crutches and long leg braces. However after posterior capsulotomy, and successful microsurgical free vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, his left knee could be fully extended and fitted into bilateral long leg braces. So he was able to walk with bilateral crutches and discharged from the hospital on the day of 5th week after admission. Therefore microsurgical free vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is recommended for large soft. tissue defects such as those arising from posterior capsulotomy of knee joint used in the correction of flexion contracture from scalding burn scar upon the paralyzed legs from poliomyelitis.