The Judet quadricepsplasty for management of severe posttraumatic extension contracture of the knee. A report of a bilateral case and review of the literature

Abstract

Extension contracture of the knee is an increasingly recognized complication of severe femur fracture. Traditional management by Thompson quadricepsplasty may result in a variable return of knee flexion and the possibility of significant extension lag. The Judet technique of quadricepsplasty offers the advantages of a controlled, sequential release of the components limiting knee flexion and a reduced potential for iatrogenic quadriceps rupture or extension lag. Judet quadricepsplasty corrected severe bilateral extension contractures with excellent results at 17 months postoperatively in a 29-year-old man.