UTILIZATION OF A DYNAMIC STIFLE FLEXION APPARATUS IN PREVENTING RECURRENCE OF QUADRICEPS CONTRACTURE - A CLINICAL REPORT

Quadriceps contracture is a well documented postoperative complication of femoral fractures, especially in immature animals. Historically, m anagement of this condition has been difficult, and long-term prognosi s has usually been poor. This case documents surgical correction of th e quadriceps contracture in a mixed breed dog, and the use of a dynami c stifle flexion apparatus postoperatively. The purpose of the dynamic stifle flexion apparatus was to encourage early, active use of the af fected limb by the patient. Concurrent passive flexion and extension e xercises, by the owner, were an integral component in preventing recur rence of pathological contracture of the quadriceps muscle group.