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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-02-2010 | Orthopaedic Outcome Assessment

Femoral pseudoarthrosis and knee stiffness: long-term results of a one-stage surgical approach

Authors: João L. Ellera Gomes, Roberto P. Ruthner, Luiz Moreira

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Introduction

The objective of this study was to analyze the surgical results of the simultaneous treatment of femoral pseudoarthrosis and knee stiffness using a combined one-stage approach (quadricepsplasty + osteoperiosteal decortications + bone autografting + fracture stabilization).

Patients and method

Twelve patients (six men) followed up for a minimum of 10 years and who had undergone surgery for these combined procedures were contacted for evaluation. Their mean age at the time of the surgery was 30 years (standard deviation, SD 15; range 22–65 years), and mean time from initial trauma was 16 months (SD 6, range 10–32 months).

Results

Mean range of motion improved from 10° (SD 9) to 112° (SD 13) postoperatively. Fractures healed in all patients, and improvement in their range of motion was statistically significant (Student’s t-test = 31; P ≤ 0.0001). Improvement was significantly greater in patients operated at less than 16 months from initial trauma than in those operated at over 16 months (Student’s t-test = 2.71; P = 0.02). Improvement was inversely correlated with time interval since disease onset (Pearson correlation = −0.672; P = 0.017). Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no deaths or severe complications occurred in this series.

Conclusions

Despite increased tissue handling, blood loss and postoperative morbidity, the simultaneous treatment of femoral pseudoarthrosis and knee stiffness was successful, and results suggested that the earlier a combined approach is used, the better the outcome may be.

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Title: Femoral pseudoarthrosis and knee stiffness: long-term results of a one-stage surgical approach
Authors: João L. Ellera Gomes
Roberto P. Ruthner
Luiz Moreira
Publication date: 01-02-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-0938-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Femoral pseudoarthrosis and knee stiffness: long-term results of a one-stage surgical approach

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and method

Results

Conclusions

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