J Korean Fract Soc.  2007 Oct;20(4):339-344. 10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.4.339.

Stiff Knee by Entrapment of Quadriceps Femoris Tendon at Fracture Site in Paediatric Distal Femur Shaft Fracture

• Kang S
• Kim JP
• Hwang CS
• Chung PH
• Kim YS
• Lee SH
• Chung JW

• KMID: 2297516
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.4.339

Abstract

The complications following paediatric femur fracture are leg length discrepancy, angulation deformity, rotational deformity, ischemic limb. But, stiff knee is rarely expressed after trauma like paediatric femur fracture. We report a case of stiff knee due to entrapment of quadriceps femoris tendon at displaced fracture site after conservative treatment by Russel traction and hip spica cast in paediatric femur fracture. We treated successfully by resection of distal end of proximal segment of femur and release of quadriceps femoris tendon for flexion contracture of the knee.

Keyword

Paediatric femur fracture; Stiff knee; Quadriceps femoris tendon release

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Contracture
Extremities
Femur*
Hip
Knee*
Leg
Quadriceps Muscle*
Tendons*
Traction

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Initial radiographs show comminuted fracture on distal one fourth of right femoral shaft.

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  Fig. 2 Initial radiographs show Salter-Harris type II fracture of left distal tibia.

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  Fig. 3 The radiographs show some callus along the periosteum at 2nd weeks after initial trauma.

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  Fig. 4 The radiographs show bridging callus formation from distal fragment to side of proximal fragment at 4 months later.

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  Fig. 5 The MRI shows entrapment of quadriceps femoris tendon between proximal fragment and anterior cortex of distal fragment.

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  Fig. 6 The radiographs are taken after resection of proximal fragment and release of quadriceps femoris tendon.

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  Fig. 7 The radiographs show solid union and remodeling on 1 year after operation.

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