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Clinical Results After Judet Quadricepsplasty for Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness

Clinical Results After Judet Quadricepsplasty for Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness: a Retrospective and Prospective Observational Study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06251765
Enrollment
20
Registered
2024-02-09
Start date
2024-07-10
Completion date
2024-10-18
Last updated
2024-10-21

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Knee Fractures, Stiffness of Knee, Not Elsewhere Classified

Keywords

arthromyolisis, Judet, post-traumatic, quadricepsplasty

Brief summary

The Post-traumatic Extension Contracture of the Knee (PECK) is a common complication following knee traumas. It is characterized by a restricted Range of Motion (ROM), pain, and discomfort in the affected knee. Various factors can cause PECK, primarily inflammation and scar tissue formation. The underlying inflammatory state leads to the development of scar tissue, which - when combined with immobilization - results in the progressive stiffness of the knee. Additionally, prolonged immobilization leads to muscle atrophy and, consequently, reduced mobility and increased rigidity. All these conditions contribute to a limited ROM, making it challenging to perform various daily activities. Sometimes conservative treatments can be effective, but surgery is often necessary to restore joint functionality and alleviate pain. Historically, various surgical approaches have been proposed to address post-traumatic knee stiffness. Open surgery is typically reserved for cases where arthroscopic adhesion release and manipulation under anesthesia have not been successful. Over the last century, various open surgical techniques have been proposed. In particular, arthromyolysis according to Judet was first described in the 1950s by the French orthopedic surgeon Jacques Judet. This technique involves a series of incisions and soft tissue releases, allowing the surgeon to resolve the stiffness of the quadriceps tendon caused by trauma or prolonged immobilization. Although effective in restoring knee joint functionality, arthromyolysis according to Judet is not without risks and potential complications. These include infection, massive bleeding, nerve and muscle-tendon injuries, and residual stiffness. The purpose of this study is to analyze our case series related to arthromyolysis according to Judet for PECK. Clinical outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction following this type of intervention will be evaluated.

Interventions

Clinical scores will be administered to patients

OTHERRange of Motion

Evalutation of knee mobility

Sponsors

Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Adult patients underwent surgical intervention for arthromyolysis according to Judet with modified surgical technique for knee stiffness from January 2008 to December 2019. 2. Patients with post-traumatic injuries (fractures treated surgically). 3. Patients with a minimum of 4 years of follow-up. 4. Completeness of clinical documentation.

Exclusion criteria

1. Patients who underwent surgical intervention for arthrolysis (both arthroscopic and non-arthroscopic) or arthromyolysis according to Judet with minimally invasive technique. 2. Patients who underwent surgery to address knee stiffness due to other causes (rigid prosthesis, limb lengthening, etc.). 3. Incomplete clinical documentation.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Range of Motion at follow-upbaseline time 0ROM expresses in degrees the degree of range of motion that a joint can perform along its full range of motion whether active or passive through an external aid.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Intra-operative Range of Motionbaseline time 0ROM expresses in degrees the degree of range of motion that a joint can perform along its full range of motion whether active or passive through an external aid.
Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scorebaseline time 0KOOS assesses patient pain (9 items), other symptoms (7 items), function in daily living (17 items), function in sport and recreation (5 items), and knee related quality of life (4 items). Scores range from 0 to 100 with a score of 0 indicating the worst possible knee symptoms and 100 indicating no knee symptoms. The KOOS is a patient reported joint-specific score, which may be useful for assessing changes in knee pathology over time, with or without treatment.
Tegner Activity Scalebaseline time 0Tegner Activity Scale is used in order to provide a standardized method to grade work and sporting activities.

Countries

Italy

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026