ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE IN THE CORRECTION OF KNEE FLEXION CONTRACTURE - REPORT OF 4 CASES

The Ilizarov technique was used in five knees for the correction of a flexion contracture that had not responded to nonoperative treatment. Preoperative contractures of 25-75-degrees were reduced to 0-15-degree s. Three months after frame removal the knees had almost the same rang e of extension as immediately after frame removal, and all except one patient with severe arthritis had the same range of flexion as before treatment. Compared with alternative operative methods, the Ilizarov t echnique has the advantage of minor operative trauma with a gradually controlled correction, permitting the soft tissues to regenerate. Ther e is also the possibility of simultaneous correction of leg length.