Quadricepsplasty using Judet Technique for Stiffness of the Knee

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is evaluating the result of Judet's technique of quadricepsplasty for the treatmeot of the stiffness of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 30 patients performed Judets quadricepsplasty for extension contracture after trauma. The mean age was 36.6 years, mean follow-up period was 48 months. The cause of contracture was 26 fractures around knee, and non-articular fractures were 4 femoral shaft fractures with infection. The mean period from trauma to quadricepsplasty was 37 months. Clinical analysis was evaluated by Judet's criteria. According to joint involvement, we divided to group A and group B, and group I and group II by period of knee joint immobilization after trauma. RESULTS: According to Judet's criteria, excellent were 14 cases, good 11 cases, and fair 5 cases. The mean preoperative flexion contracture was 6 degree, and final was 1.5 degree. We gained 4.5 degree of flexion contracture. The mean preoperative further flexion was 45 degree, and final was 105.5 degree. So we gained 60.5 degree of further flexion. There was no statistically significant difference according to the joint involvement. There was difference according to immobilization period, but no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Judet's quadricepsplasty and arthrolysis was effective technique for stiffness of the knee, We analysed the effect of joint involvement and immobilization period until quadricepsplasty, but there was no significant statistically different effect.