Extension contracture of the knee can result from different causes, but it usually occurs from trauma. The patient is unable to bend the knee to a functional level.
Trauma will cause adhesions inside the knee, fibrosis, and shortening of the knee ligaments.
There will also be adhesions and shortening of the quadriceps muscles.
Treatment
Treatment will usually begin with therapy. The first surgical option will include an arthroscopy and the release of any adhesions. The second surgical option that may be considered as a quadricepsplasty (Thompson or Judet) or a combination of treatments.
An example of a combination treatment plan would be a modified Judet quadricepsplasty with the release of the quadriceps muscle from the femur and a release of the adhesions that are located inside the knee.
After surgery the surgeon can usually achieve 90° plus flexion.
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