title: A new approach to the management of fixed flexion deformity of the knee using Ilizarov's principle of distraction histogenesis: a preliminary communication.
abstract: Fixed flexion deformity (FFD) of the knee causes significant patient disability and is challenging to orthopedic surgeons because of its complexity. A prospective study was conducted using Ilizarov's principles of distraction neohistogenesis and differential distraction and Ilizarov's ring fixator for the correction of this deformity in cases with soft-tissue contracture. This was done without any concurrent bony procedures. A prospective, uncontrolled study of 26 patients (39 knees) was conducted over a 4-year period with prior approval from the local institutional review board. Patients with FFD of the knee without bony ankylosis were treated with knee-spanning 4-ring Ilizarov's frame and gradual differential distraction. All patients showed complete correction of deformity without any significant complications. The results of this uncontrolled study permit the observation that soft-tissue distraction across a joint using Ilizarov's principle results in soft-tissue lengthening and correction of joint deformity caused by contractures. This technique needs further detailed examination.
authors.affiliation: DNB Orthopaedics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. gkkulshrestha@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kulshrestha
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gaurav
authors.forename: Jog
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vilas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D007717:Knee / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery