FLEXION CONTRACTURE OF THE KNEE

The Mechanics of the Muscular Contracture and the Turnbuckle Cast Method of Treatment; with a Review of Fifty-Five Cases

¹ The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the State University of Iowa.

Flexion contracture of the knee follows definite physical laws, which apply to all muscular contractures, and is modified by its peculiar anatomical construction.

Gradual correction by the turnbuckle-cast method is offered as the method of choice, in the great majority of cases, because it has proved to be actually effective in a series of cases, including seventy-seven flexion contractures of the knee joint treated in this clinic. It provides a rigid system, which is so essential for the application of a correcting force upon the largest joint in the body. It may be universally applied, and does not require the construction of special apparatus. It is a method that is urged as a primary procedure, but its further utility preliminary or secondary to operative measures should not be overlooked. Its early application is especially indicated in contractures following actual involvement of the joint, before capsular shrinkage has occurred. As a preventive means, turnbuckles may be incorporated into every cast applied upon a pathologically flexed knee, in order to encourage correction just as soon as activity subsides. In this way even cases of tuberculosis of the knee may be given a better functional position.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Technorati    What's this?