The Judet Quadricepsplasty for Management of Severe Posttraumatic Extension Contracture of the Knee

Extension contracture of the knee is an increasingly recognized complication of severe femur fracture. Traditional management by Thompson quadricepsplasty may result in a variable return of knee flexion and the possibility of significant extension lag. The Judet technique of quadricepsplasty offers the advantages of a controlled, sequential release of the components limiting knee flexion and a reduced potential for iatrogenic quadriceps rupture or extension lag. Judet quadricepsplasty corrected severe bilateral extension contractures with excellent results at 17 months postoperatively in a 29-year-old man.