title: Correcting flexion contractures: getting it straight.
abstract: Many factors play a role in causing a flexion contracture associated with TKA. The final goal of correction is to achieve and maintain a contracture that is < 15 degrees. Contractures between 10 degrees and 15 degrees may still be symptomatic, and those < or = 10 degrees are rarely a problem. Perioperative and intraoperative treatment measures exist to alleviate flexion contractures. Intraoperative correction determines the final result in most cases, except in inflammatory cases where the preoperative contracture is > 40 degrees. In these cases, under anesthesia the preoperative contracture need only be corrected to within one-third of its initial amount, and the remainder will usually resolve with postoperative physical therapy and serial casting or splinting.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint; D054850:Osteophyte