Fixed Flexion Deformity Of Knee Research Articles

Anterior Proximal Tibial Screw Hemiepiphysiodesis Decreases Posterior Tibial Slope in Knee Flexion Contracture: A Case Report.

A 13-year-old adolescent boy with hemiplegic cerebral palsy suffering from fixed knee flexion deformity of 10° despite extensive conservative treatment. Owing to a posterior tibial slope (PTS) of 16°, anterior hemiepiphysiodesis was applied to the proximal tibia. The 2 screws were removed after 9 months. Final follow-up at 16 months showed complete knee extension and a PTS of 4°. The presented technique is a good alternative in knee flexion deformity with an increased PTS and has surprisingly not been described in the literature. This might be worth considering for other pathologies such as pediatric anterior cruciate ligament injury with an increased PTS.

Intraoperative sensor technology quantifies inter-prosthesis pressure for predicting lower limb alignment after Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to quantify inter-prosthetic pressures at different knee angles in Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) and its correlation with postoperative lower limb alignment. Methods: This study included 101 patients (122 knees) who underwent OUKA from March 2022 to July 2022. The previously designed matrix flexible force sensor was used to measure the inter-prosthesis pressure of different knee joint angles during the UKA operation, and the force variation trend and gap balance difference were obtained. The correlation between inter-prosthesis pressure and postoperative lower limb alignment index including hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) was analyzed. The effect of PTS change (ΔPTS) on the inter-prosthesis pressure and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was analyzed. Radiographic and short-term clinical outcomes of included patients were assessed. Results: The inter-prosthesis pressure of the different knee joint angles during the operation was not consistent. The mean inter-prosthesis pressure and gap balance difference were 73.68.28 ± 41.65N and 36.48 ± 20.58N. The inter-prosthesis pressure at 0° and 20° was positively correlated with postoperative HKAA (p < 0.001). ΔPTS was positively correlated with the pressure at the end of knee extension and negatively correlated with the pressure at the end of knee flexion (p < 0.001). The HKAA, ROM, degree of fixed knee flexion deformity, and knee society score of the included patients were significantly improved compared with those before the operation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The inter-prosthesis pressure measured at the knee extension position can predict postoperative HKAA to some degree. Changes in PTS will affect the inter-prosthesis pressure at the end of flexion and end of knee extension, but this change is not related to the range of motion of the knee joint.

Guided Growth for Tibial Recurvatum.

Aim and objectiveSagittal guided growth of the distal anterior femur has been shown to be effective for the correction of fixed knee flexion deformity that is encountered in clinical practice. The opposite deformity, namely genu recurvatum, is comparatively uncommon in children. The most common aetiology is post-traumatic. Acute correction by means of osteotomy has significant associated risks. Our objective was to determine whether a posterior 8-plate would suffice in correcting tibial recurvatum and obviate the need for an osteotomy.Materials and methodsWe included a total of five deformities, three boys (one bilateral) and one girl, managed by means of tethering of the posterior proximal tibial physis with a tension band plate. Standard radiographs obtained preoperatively and at follow-up included a standing anteroposterior (AP) of the legs noting limb lengths and the mechanical axis. We also obtained standing lateral views of each knee in maximal extension to measure and compare the posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA).ResultsThe same-day surgery was well tolerated and there were no surgical or post-operative complications. The preoperative PPTA ranged from 106° to 117° and averaged 84° at follow-up. Correction occurred in an average of 20 months (range of 18–24 months). The patient with bilateral recurvatum due to Hurler's syndrome developed unilateral recurrent recurvatum culminating in percutaneous reinsertion of the metaphyseal screw. For each patient, knee hyperextension and associated pseudo-laxity resolved and limb lengths remained equal at follow-up.ConclusionChildren with progressive genu recurvatum typically present with an insidious onset of symptoms. Guided growth of the posterior proximal tibia is a safe and effective means of correcting the deformity; osteotomy was avoided in this series.Level of evidenceIII – retrospective case series – no controls.How to cite this articleStevens P, Stephens A, Rothberg D. Guided Growth for Tibial Recurvatum. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(3):172–175.

Distal Femoral Extension Osteotomy and Patellar Tendon Advancement in Management of Fixed Knee Flexion Deformity and Crouch Gait in Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is generally associated with musculoskeletal deformities that occur during body growth. Fixed knee flexion deformity (FKFD) results from long standing knee flexion that is due to progressive contracture of spastic hamstrings combined with a quadriceps weakness. Fixed knee flexion compromises the passive mechanisms of joint stabilization at mid and terminal stance in children with CP. The aim of this study is to highlight the results of distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement (DFEO + PTA) for management of FKFD in crouching CP patients with spastic or mixed tone diplegic ambulatory cerebral palsy children. Patients and Methods A prospective study was conducted involving twenty CP patients with fixed knee flexion deformity (14 males and 6 females). The 20 cases with fixed knee flexion deformity were GMFCS level II (4 cases), and III (16 cases). All patients were clinically and radiologically assessed according to knee flexion angle, extension lag, koshino index and the Gross motor function measure pre- and post-operative. All patients underwent DFEO ± PTA. Eighteen limbs had DFEO on the RT side, and twenty on the LT side. Results The mean age of the patients was 11.18±3.23 (6-16) years. The period of follow up ranged from 12 to 24 months (The mean follow up was 16.20 ± 2.46). At last follow up, the median knee flexion angle improved from 25 to 0. The median extension lag improved from 17.5 to 0. The mean koshino index improved from 1.59 ± 0.32 to 1.05 ± 0.10. the GMFM improved from 52.86 ± 7.36 to 68.15 ± 5. 82. Conclusion The combined procedure (DFEO + PTA) is effective in increasing knee extension in the stance phase, reducing knee pain and improving knee extension strength.

Functional and Clinical Outcomes of Combined Simultaneous Bilateral Anterior Distal Femoral Plate Hemiepiphysiodesis and Hamstrings Release in Management of Knee Flexion Contractures in Children With Neuromuscular Disorders.

We examined the clinical and functional outcomes of the simultaneous anterior distal femoral 8-plate hemiepiphysiodesis (ADF8PH) and hamstring release, for fixed knee flexion deformity in children with neuromuscular disease. To our knowledge, no published evidence is available that reports the outcomes of this combined techniques. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 19 consecutive children who underwent bilateral ADF8PH and concomitant hamstrings release in our institution from 2012 to 2019. Relevant demographics, Gross Motor Functional Classification Score and preoperative and postoperative knee flexion contractures and popliteal angles were documented. The average age at the time of operation was 12±2.1 years. There were 15 males and 4 females. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (n=16), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (n=1), hereditary spastic paraplegia type 56 (n=1) and fructose-1,6 bisphosphonate aldose B deficiency (n=1). Mean length of follow-up was 3.8 years (range: 1.5 to 7 y). Mean fixed knee flexion deformity improved from 28.9 to 13.4 degrees (P<0.001) at an average correction rate of 0.94 degrees per month. Mean popliteal angle improved from 81.8 to 44.4 degrees (P<0.001) in the early postoperative phase and to 51.8 degrees (P<0.001) in latest clinic review. Mean time to correction was 18.9 months. The agreed treatment goals of maintaining or promoting the use of standing frame and spinal/postural symmetry was attained in 18 patients (94.7%). Postoperative knee pain was reported in 2 cases (10.5%). We report 2 complications; 1 case of neurapraxia and 1 case of sepsis because of respiratory infection. Simultaneous bilateral ADF8PH with hamstrings release is a promising effective technique for correction of knee flexion contractures in skeletally immature individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. Our findings demonstrate improvement in clinical outcomes and maintaining functional outcomes, indicating the validity of this approach as a satisfactory, less invasive alternative in the management of this deformity. Level IV-therapeutic study.

Intramuscular psoas lengthening at the pelvic brim plus proximal lengthening of the rectus femoris as a treatment for fixed knee flexion deformity in cerebral palsy

Although the correction of knee flexion by lengthening the hamstring musculature is traditionally contemplated in cerebral palsy, literature suggests that treatment of hip flexion also improves knee extension. The aim of the study was to first show the efficacy of the sequence of intrapelvic tenotomy of the psoas followed by intramuscular lengthening of the proximal rectus anterior and, later, that of both surgical soft tissue surgeries separately. For this, a prospective study was carried out in 10 patients with a mean age of 14 years, which presented 16 fixed knee flexes with a mean of deformity of 22°.The data was analyzed through means of an ANOVA of repeated measures and to determine the effect separately of each one of the techniques, the improvements obtained with respect to the previous level were contrasted.The mean extension achieved was 12°, 7° corresponding to the intrapelvic tenotomy of the psoas and, on the remaining knee flexion, a correction of 5° after intramuscular lengthening of the anterior rectus at the proximal level.Both the sequence of proposed gestures and those that form separately, showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the correction of the deformity.In conclusion, the proposed techniques applied sequentially or separately are effective in reducing knee flexion in predominantly spastic cerebral palsy, facilitating or even being able to avoid the treatment that is directly needed.

Role of Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of long-standing knee flexion deformity in adults: A prospective cohort study

Background: One of the major disabilities of the lower limb is fixed knee flexion deformity. Post-polio residual paralysis is the main etiology, but there are others. This study evaluated the outcome of treatment of long-standing fixed knee flexion deformity with the Ilizarov external fixator without soft-tissue intervention or osteotomy in a certain age group. Methods: Thirty patients (33 knees) with knee flexion deformity were enrolled in this study. There were 11 women and 19 men. Three patients had bilateral lower limb affection. The etiology was post-polio residual paralysis in 11 patients (14 knees), four patients had brain insult, eight patients had post infectious etiology, and seven patients had failure of open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. An Ilizarov fixator was applied in all patients for deformity correction with no soft-tissue release or osteotomies. Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.7 yr (18-55 yr), the mean preoperative flexion knee angle was 77.87 degrees (50-130 degrees). The mean preoperative arc of motion was 17.1 degrees (0-50 degrees), the mean time since the deformity was well established was 9.4 yr (4-30 yr), the mean time needed for correction of the deformity was 49.2 days (27-120 days) at the end of the procedure. All patients achieved full correction of the deformity. Conclusions: The Ilizarov external fixator is an effective tool in the treatment of severe long-standing fixed knee flexion deformity in adults with minimal complications and good outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level II.

SUPRA CONDYLAR FEMORAL EXTENSION OSTEOTOMY WITH PATELLAR TENDON ADVANCEMENT TO TREAT FIXED KNEE FLEXION DEFORMITY IN CROUCHING AMBULATORY ADOLESCENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Background: Ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) patients present with different gait patterns because of muscular spasticity and contractures and subsequent limited range of motion leading to loss of their functional abilities. Crouch gait is one of the most common gait pattern in ambulatory children with CP. Aim of the work: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of supra condylar femoral extension osteotomy (SCFEO) and patellar tendon advancement (PTA) in the treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity (FKFD) in patients with spastic ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) to achieve full knee extension and restore an appropriate relationship between quadriceps length and tension in order to maintain knee extension during the stance phase of gait to correct the crouch gait. Patient and Methods: This prospective case series study was done on 20 patients (37 knees); 12 males and 8 females, who had spastic or mixed (mainly spastic) CP and walked with a crouch gait, and who underwent combined SCFEO and PTA along with the context of single event multi-level surgery. Results: The mean Fixed Knee Flexion Angle (FKFA) improved from 24.25o ±11.86o to be 2.25o± 2.25o. The mean knee extension lag improved from 15.8o±5.68o to be 4.2o±1.31o. The mean Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) improved from 53.3 to be 69.1. The mean Koshino Index (KI) improved from 1.54±0.29 to be 1.14±0.12.Conclusion: For crouching adolescents there are 4 questions must be answered: Frist, differentiate between isolated myogenic flexion deformity and combined myogenic-arthrogenic knee flexion deformity. Second, assess isolated myogenic flexion deformity due to hamstring shortening by unilateral popliteal angle test. Third, differentiate between apparent and true hamstring shortening by popliteal shift test; apparent functional hamstring shortening and hamstring lengthening is not indicated. Forth, if the unilateral popliteal angle is positive with negative popliteal shift test, true hamstring shortening is found.

Anterior Guided Growth of the Distal Femur for Knee Flexion Contracture: Clinical, Radiographic, and Motion Analysis Results.

Fixed knee flexion deformity is common in children with neuromuscular disorders. Anterior guided growth (AGG) of the distal femur can achieve gradual correction in patients who are skeletally immature. Little outcome data are available on this procedure. This is a retrospective matched cohort study. Forty-two knees (26 patients) underwent AGG surgery at our institution between 2007 and 2017. All patients underwent instrumented 3-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). A nonsurgical control group of 49 knees (43 patients) was selected that matched for age, severity of preoperative knee contracture, and 3DGA parameters. Clinical, radiographic, and 3DGA outcomes were assessed and compared. Average preoperative knee flexion deformity in AGG group was 13±8 degrees. Following AGG, deformity improved by 8±7 degrees (P<0.001) as measured radiographically and by 7±7 degrees (P<0.001) as measured on physical examination. Average rate of correction was 0.7±0.6 degrees per month or 8±8 degrees per year. The 3DGA parameters such as minimum stance phase knee flexion and knee flexion at initial contact were also significantly improved following AGG. In contrast, flexion deformity as measured radiographically worsened by 3±3 degrees (P=0.002) in the control group. Twelve knees (29%) had failure of correction. Predictors of failure included older age, lower level of function, and greater severity of preoperative deformity. The age at time of surgery and the anteroposterior position of plate fixation relative to the distal femoral physis were associated with rate of correction. In children with neuromuscular disorders, AGG of the distal femur is effective in improving degree of fixed knee flexion deformity as well as objective gait parameters. A significant portion of knees experience inadequate correction. Addressing factors associated with correction failure (ie, age and plate placement) may improve the procedure's success. Level III-case control study.

Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis can reduce fixed flexion deformity of the knee: a retrospective study of 83 knees

Background and purpose — Fixed knee flexion deformity in children is a common problem in various diseases including myelomeningocele and cerebral palsy. Until now, only a few studies focusing on the surgical procedure of anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis have been published. We analyzed outcome and correction rate in the largest case series to date of patients treated by staples or 8-plates.Patients and methods — We reviewed the medical records of all patients with fixed knee flexion deformity who were treated with anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using either staples or 8-plates between the years 2002 and 2017 (73 patients; 130 knees). 49 patients (83 knees) had completed treatment with implant removal at the time of full correction of the deformity or at skeletal maturity and were included. The average age at operation was 12 years (6–20). Patients were assigned to 3 different groups based on their diagnosis: cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, and the “other” group.dResults — Mean fixed knee flexion deformity improved from 21° (10–60°) to 8° (0–50°) (p < 0.001) with an average correction rate of 0.44° per month (range –2.14° to 1.74°). The correction rate per month was lowest for patients with cerebral palsy (0.20°), followed by the myelomeningocele group (0.50°), and the “other” group (0.58°). Implant loosening occurred in 10% of the treated knees with consecutive re-implantation in 5% of the cases.Interpretation — Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis is an effective and safe method for the treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity in children. The optimal timing depends on the remaining individual growth potential, the underlying disease, and the extent of the deformity.

Knee flexion contracture in haemophilia: treatment with circular external fixator.

Haemophilia, a bleeding disorder, causes recurrent intra-articular bleeding of the joints result-ing in chronic haemophilic arthropathy with fixed knee flexion deformity. Mid-long-term results (between 2002 and 2006) of deformity correction in haemophilic patients with Ilizarov type circular external fixators were retrospectively evaluated. There were six patients (five haemophilia A and one haemophilia B). The mean age was 14.7years (range, 8-22years) at the time of initial surgery. The mean knee flexion contracture was 45 degrees (range, 30-75 degrees). The mean arc of motion was 58.3 degrees (range, 40-100) before the surgery. The mean duration of follow-up was 8years (range, 5.5-10years). The mean duration of external fixation was 4.4months (range, 2.5-10.5months). Full extension of the knee joint was obtained in all patients in the early postoperative period. No bleeding, neurological or vascular complications were encountered. The mean amount of recurrence in knee flexion contracture was 10 degrees (range, 0-15 degrees). The amount of the correction was significant (P=0.0012) and the mean arc of motion was 51.6 degrees (range, 25-90 degrees) that show a decrease of 6.7 degrees (P=0.04) at the end of follow-up. The circular external fixator is an important, safe and less invasive alternative surgical treatment modality with low recurrence rate. Using the external hinges and distraction during the correction has a protective effect on the joint. It requires a team-work consisting of a haematologist, an orthopaedic surgeon and a physical therapist.

Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis in the treatment of fixed knee flexion contracture in neuromuscular patients

Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy (CP) and meningomyelocele (MMC) are prone to develop fixed knee flexion contracture. Distal femoral extension osteotomy allows acute correction of the deformity, but it is an extensive surgical procedure, and the complication rate is rather high. Immobilization can prolong the rehabilitation period, and may even result in deteriorated walking ability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of using anterior hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur to treat fixed flexion contracture of the knee. We studied 21 patients in our department from 2003 to 2009. Mean age was 10years (5-15). Twelve suffered from MMC, five from CP, two from arthrogryposis, one had an enzyme defect, and one had Down's syndrome. Thirteen patients had a bilateral and eight a unilateral procedure. None of the patients underwent any other procedures. Two staples or 8-plates were inserted using two parapatellar incisions. Nine were operated on with staples and 12 with 8-plates. The plates or staples were removed when the desired effect of full knee extension was achieved or the patient reached skeletal maturity. Mean fixed flexion contracture was 20° (10°-40°). Staples or 8-plates were removed after a mean of 24 (6-42) months. Mean fixed flexion contracture at removal was 10° (0°-30°). Two complications were seen: one infection and one supracondylar fracture. Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plates or staples seems to be effective for correcting fixed knee flexion deformity in skeletally immature individuals. The complication rate is low (10%). Our results are comparable to those of Kramer, Klatt, and Stevens. This procedure should be the primary treatment for fixed knee flexion contractures in neuromuscular patients with sufficient remaining growth.

Hip Flexion Deformity Improves without Psoas-Lengthening after Surgical Correction of Fixed Knee Flexion Deformity in Spastic Diplegia

It is unclear if psoas lengthening surgery is required in the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) with hip flexion deformity and previous studies show equivocal results with regard to functional outcome. This study retrospectively assessed 12 patients with a diagnosis of spastic diplegia who underwent single event multilevel surgery in order to correct deformities in the sagittal plane distal to the hip. Both clinical and instrument gait analysis results were recorded preoperatively, at one year (short term) and at five years (mid term) postoperatively. Clinically measured hip and knee movement improved at both short and mid term follow up. Correlations of clinically measured maximum hip and knee extension were significant at all three time points. Angles at terminal stance/toe off for hip and knee from kinematic data also showed significant correlations at all three time points. Our study demonstrates that the hip flexion deformities encountered in these patients will improve spontaneously when the distal fixed knee flexion deformity is surgically corrected. Therefore correction at the knee allows the ground reaction force to assume a more normal position resulting in correction at the hip over time. This then removes the need for surgery at the hip level. This fact is especially important when applied to psoas lengthening as this procedure can cause significant reduction in propulsion power.

Distal Femoral Osteotomy Using the LCP Pediatric Condylar 90-Degree Plate in Patients With Neuromuscular Disorders

In patients with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, correction of a fixed knee flexion deformity is thought to be crucial for the improvement of gait. The distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFO) is one method to achieve this goal. The standard implant for fixation of the 2 fragments in DFO is the conventional AO blade plate. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of using the new LCP Pediatric Condylar 90-Degree Plate for DFO. Thirty-eight patients undergoing 63 DFOs were included. The mean age was 16.3±4.4 years (range, 4 to 27 y) at the time of surgery. Thirty-two patients had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and 6 patients had other neuromuscular disorders including myelomeningocoele and arthrogryposis. Thirteen patients had unilateral procedures and 25 had bilateral procedures. The mean duration of the surgical intervention was 67.9±26.5 minutes (range, 30 to 180 min) and the mean blood loss was 100.0±42.1 mL (range, 50 to 250 mL). In 84% of the cases, large-fragment (5.0 mm) implants were used. The mean extension correction in 84% of the patients (n=53) was 22.8±10.3 degrees (range, 5 to 50 degrees). In this series, there were 2 complications in 63 osteotomies (3%). Radiologic follow-up of the cohort was until the time of plate removal (14.2±4.3 mo; range, 6 to 26 mo). Three months after the index operation, all osteotomies were radiologically consolidated. At this time and at plate removal, there were no malunions or nonunions in this cohort. Clinical follow-up of the cohort was performed until the end of the study (mean 35.5±6.7 mo; range, 22 to 46 mo). At the end of the study, 59 plates (94%) had been removed. The new LCP Pediatric Condylar 90-Degree Plate provides stable and safe fixation of distal femoral correction osteotomies in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Level IV.

Simultaneous management of hand to knee and shortening problems in poliomyelitis

Background In poliomyelitis; hand to knee gait is the sum of quadriceps weakness and fixed knee flexion deformity. Limb shortening is another added problem. Usually, each problem is attacked separately; with variable end results and complication rates for each procedure. Patients and methods 22 patients (16–46 y.); with poliomyelitis with hand to knee gait due to fixed knee flexion deformity of mild to moderate degree (10–400); and limb shortening of 4.5–9.5 cm., were managed simultaneously by a single operation. A distal femoral metaphyseal anterior closing wedge (recurvatum) corrective osteotomy was done to treat acutely the fixed knee flexion deformity(and subsequently hand to knee gait). A modified Wagner or Orthofix frame was applied as a mono-plane mono-axial lengthening device to stabilize the osteotomy and to lengthen the short limb. Lengthening was started in all cases two weeks post-operatively. Results All cases showed full correction of the deformity with elimination of the hand to knee gait problem and all showed - the desired - limb length equalization. The femora were lengthened to an average of 6.4 cm.(= 21% of original femoral bone length), range of lengthening was: 4–9 cm. (= 11–26%). The average healing index was 37 days per centimeter (with a range of 31 to 53 days per centimeter.) Conclusion Simultaneous management of hand to knee and limb shortening could be achieved by a single osteotomy which is used to extend the knee acutely and for distraction two weeks later using a mono-lateral frame. Results were good, complications were few and accepted and the procedure is well tolerated by the patients.

Treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity by anterior distal femoral stapling

The treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity through anterior distal femoral stapling has been investigated in only two studies so far, with promising results. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this technique might improve fixed knee flexion deformity in a series of growing children and adolescents with different conditions. Follow-up examinations were continued after staple removal in terms of a possible impairment of this deformity. We reviewed the medical records of all patients with fixed knee flexion deformity who had been treated by anterior distal femoral stapling at our institution. Twenty patients (37 knees) with a mean age of 12.7 years met the inclusion criteria (>12 months of follow-up; no additional procedures to correct fixed knee flexion deformity such as hamstring lengthening or posterior capsulotomy) and were evaluated in this study. The mean fixed knee flexion deformity significantly improved from 21.4° (SD = 11.6) preoperatively to 7.0° (SD = 9.8) after a mean follow-up of 35.3 months. Young patients (<12 years) revealed superior improvement of this deformity, and especially children with distinct fixed knee flexion deformity of 30° or greater had benefit from early treatment. Impairment of flexion deformity was only seen in one patient (2 knees) after staple removal. Our results demonstrate that anterior distal femoral stapling is an effective method for the treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity in growing children and adolescents. Rare complications, immediate mobilization, and a low recurrence rate after staple removal provide obvious advantages of this minimally invasive procedure. Retrospective therapeutic study, Level IV.

Guided growth for correction of knee flexion deformity: a series of four cases

Fixed knee flexion deformity can present as an insidious and significant problem in diverse etiologies, most commonly in cerebral palsy. Traditional surgical intervention has included posterior capsulotomy and supracondylar femoral osteotomy, both of which carry significant associated morbidity and risks. In the skeletally immature patient, guided growth may be used to correct or substantially diminish the deformity. We are presenting our early experience encompassing four subjects who completed instrumented gait analysis both prior to and after distal femoral anterior guided growth (hemiepiphysiodesis). Changes in gait and function resulting from surgery in each individual are reported. Outcomes indicate improved knee range of motion and alleviation of crouch at the knee with secondary improvements in the ankle, hip and pelvis. Three subjects with initially slow gait velocity improved to within normal limits by demonstrating increased stride length. A measure of overall gait kinematics showed improvements in all limbs. Anterior guided growth (hemiepiphysiodesis) of the distal femur resulted in positive quantitative changes in all four patients, though degree and types of changes were variable in this small series. Encouraged by these findings, we now prefer guided growth to extension supracondylar osteotomy for the skeletally immature patient with fixed knee flexion deformity.

Modes of Failure of Custom Expandable Repiphysis Prostheses

Limb preservation surgery for patients with sarcomas of the extremity is recognized as a valid, safe, and effective means of treating local disease1. However, one of the major dilemmas in lower limb preservation in skeletally immature children is the ability to maintain leg-length equality as the child ages and grows. Many prosthetic designs that allow expansion of the internal prosthesis and consequent limb-lengthening, either noninvasively or through a minor surgical procedure, have evolved2,3. One of the latest of the noninvasive expandable implants is the Repiphysis expandable limb salvage system (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tennessee), originally called the Phenix prosthesis (Phenix Medical, Paris, France)4,5. Although used in Europe since the early 1990s, the first Phenix prosthesis was implanted in the United States in 1998, and in 2002, the device became approved by the Food and Drug Administration. While this system offers many advantages over earlier expandable limb salvage implants, we observed three failures among sixteen Repiphysis prostheses implanted (in fourteen patients) between 2003 and 2010 by the senior author (R.M.H.). The patients and their parents were informed that the data concerning these cases would be submitted for publication, and they consented. Case 1. An eight-year-old girl was diagnosed as having stage-IIB osteosarcoma, according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) system developed by Enneking et al.6, in the distal end of the left femur. A wide local resection was done at another institution with limb reconstruction with use of a Lewis Expandable Adjustable Prosthesis (LEAP, Wright Medical Technology) with an expansion capacity of 2.5 cm. Two years later, she presented to us with a fixed knee flexion deformity of 80° and an inability to bear weight on that leg because of the deformity and limb-length discrepancy. Following serial casting to …

Anterior Femoral Epiphysiodesis for the Treatment of Fixed Knee Flexion Deformity in Spina Bifida Patients

Fixed knee flexion deformity is a common problem in spina bifida patients. Owing to interference with ambulation, this deformity may lead to anterior knee pain and progressive crouch gait. If conservative treatment fails, surgical procedures including supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy, joint distraction, and posterior capsulotomy have to be considered. Potential complications of these procedures are fractures, neurovascular lesions, knee instability, and recurrent deformity with continued growth. As fixed knee flexion deformity in spina bifida patients frequently occurs bilaterally, this results in higher perioperative and postoperative risks and prolonged recovery, making these relatively invasive methods less appealing. In the skeletal immature patient, anterior femoral stapling is a feasible method to treat fixed knee flexion deformity as could be shown in an earlier study. In this study, anterior femoral stapling was performed in a series of patients with diverse etiologies, and the overall success rate was then calculated. The aim of this study was to determine whether anterior femoral epiphysiodesis may improve fixed knee flexion deformity in a group of spina bifida patients. Ten spina bifida patients with bilateral fixed knee flexion deformity (20 knees) were treated by anterior femoral epiphysiodesis through stapling. None of the patients received further knee procedures. The mean preoperative fixed knee flexion deformity was 20.3 ± 9.9 degrees (range: 10 to 40 degrees). Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed every 3 to 6 months after surgery. All patients except 1 experienced significant improvement with a mean correction rate of 0.9 ± 0.5 degrees per month (range: 0.2 to 1.9 degrees). The residual flexion deformity averaged 5.3 ± 5.3 degrees (range: 0 to 15 degrees; P<0.001). Anterior femoral epiphysiodesis through stapling is an effective and safe method for the treatment of fixed knee flexion deformity in growing children and adolescents with spina bifida. Therapeutic Study, Level IV.

Guided Growth for Fixed Knee Flexion Deformity

Fixed knee flexion deformity (FKFD) is an insidious problem that may complicate the management of patients with neuromuscular compromise due to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, arthrogryposis, and other conditions. The energy costs associated with crouch gait may become prohibitive and, with the inexorable progression of fixed knee flexion, secondary pain may ensue as a result of fragmentation of the patella and/or tibial tubercle. Concomitant or compensatory flexion deformity of the hips and lumbar lordosis may develop, along with "pseudo equinus" of the ankles. Recommended treatments for FKFD have included bracing; physical therapy; and, in recalcitrant cases, distal femoral osteotomy, posterior release, or frame distraction. However, these latter modalities are fraught with potential complications including neurovascular damage, loss of fixation, undercorrection malunion, fracture, and recurrent deformity. Considering that FKFD is often bilateral, the complication risks for a given patient are doubled. In a previous study, the senior author reported successful hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal anterior femur using staples. However, further experience has demonstrated some of the limitations of stapling including relatively slow correction and occasional hardware migration. This led to the development of a more versatile and reliable solution using a pair of anterior tension band plates. In this retrospective clinical study, we are reporting this new technique of promoting gradual correction through guided growth of the distal femur, using a pair of anterior 8-plates. The correction is accomplished simultaneously and bilaterally, without immobilization, and may be combined with other operative procedures as indicated. We reviewed the charts, radiographs in a group of patients treated accordingly. In this group of 18 patients with 29 deformities, we noted correction averaging 1.3 degrees (range, 0.0 [1 patient]-4.8 degrees), with minimal complications. No inadvertent coronal plane deformities were created. Upon full correction, the plates were removed so as to avoid recurvatum. As an alternative to posterior capsulotomy or supracondylar extension osteotomy, we have found that guided growth is an effective and safe method of gradually correcting FKFD in growing children and adolescents. 4 (retrospective clinical series).