Posterior Capsulotomy for the Treatment of Severe Flexion Contractures of the Knee

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Abstract
Twenty-nine patients (42 knees) with severe flexion contracture of the knee (average 69.degree.) were treated by posterior capsulotomy followed by traction and/or casting. Twenty patients (28 knees) had poliomyelitis. After a follow-up of 2.5 yr, 39 knees were corrected to < 15.degree. of flexion. All of the patients except 1 were able to ambulate using a knee-ankle-foot orthosis, with or without crutches. Complications included skin necrosis in 9 patients, recurrence in 6, hypertension in 3 and peroneal nerve palsy in 1. The rate of complication was less in patients with poliomyelitis. This method is recommended for the treatment of severe flexion contracture of the knee, especially in patients with poliomyelitis, but is not recommended in patients with insensitive skin.

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