Judet quadricepsplasty for treatment of knee extension muscular retraction post external fixation: cases report

Abstract

Fibrosis of the knee joint in extension is one of the most frequent complication after femur fractures with soft tissue injury and infection, which have required external fixation for long periods of time. The existing deformity is mainly secondary to a retraction of the quadriceps and the entire extensor mechanism of the knee caused by trauma, multiple surgeries performed, fibrosis and adhesions in the path of the Schanz nails, producing a disabling extension contracture, making it impossible to flex the muscles of the knee. Judet's quadricepsplasty is a surgical alternative to increase joint mobility. We will describe three cases in which we perform this procedure.