Prognostic Factors of Modified Thompson Quadricepsplasty for the Stiff Knee

Purpose: This study evaluated the prognostic factors of modified Thompson quadricepsplasty for a stiff knee. Materials and Methods: From February 1987 to February 2007, 38 knees of 38 patients were managed with modified Thompson quadricepsplasty for a stiff knee. Thirty three males and 5 females were enrolled with a mean age of 36 years. The average follow-up duration was 92 months (range, 18 to 133 months). The most common cause of the stiff knee was a fracture around the knee in 33 cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that the gain of ROM after surgery was negatively correlated with the ROM before surgery (p＜0.0001), and flexion contracture at the last follow up was positively correlated with the initial flexion contracture (p＜0.0001). Conclusion: In a stiff knee, modified Thompson quadricepsplasty should be considered as soon as possible if the patient cannot gain an acceptable ROM through conservative management. More improvement in the ROM can be obtained in those with a more severe limitation of motionope