Treatment of haemophilic flexion deformities using the Flowtron intermittent compression system

We have studied prospectively the use of the Flowtron intermittent compression system for the home treatment of fixed flexion deformities of elbows and knees, resulting from chronic haemophilic arthropathy. A total of 16 elbows (six unilateral and five bilateral), and 10 knees (six unilateral and two bilateral) in 11 patients were studied. Treatment caused a decrease in flexion contracture of the elbows from 41 +/- 3 degrees to 28 +/- 3 degrees (P < 0.001), an improvement of 32%. The knees showed a decrease in flexion contracture from 31 +/- 3 degrees to 20 +/- 2 degrees (P < 0.0001), an improvement of 35%. Prophylactic factor replacement was not used during the study and there were no bleeds attributable to the treatment. We conclude that the use of the Flowtron in home treatment of fixed flexion deformities in haemophiliac patients is safe, effective and cheap.