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

ABSTRACT

[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.