Treatment of flexion contracture of the knee joint in children with arthrogryposis: A literature review

Abstract

Knee joint lesions are observed in 58%-90% of patients with arthrogryposis. Majority of these cases involved flexion contracture of the knee. Ambulation is possible with a deficit of knee extension of 15-20°. Currently there is no standardized treatment in global practice, which makes the treatment of this disease extremely challenging. Clinicians must take into account the degree of flexion contracture, segmental level of the spinal cord lesion, and the age of the child when considering treatment options. In this study, national and international literature relating to the clinical profile, classification, and conservative and surgical treatment of this condition were reviewed. The following treatments have been considered for this condition: casts, extensor osteotomy, arthrolysis of the knee, the use of external fixation devices, and hemi-epiphysiodesis. The high probability of relapse for flexion contracture of the knee joint in children with arthrogryposis has been described.