Correction of a major flexion deformity developed after knee arthrodesis in child age: a case report

Septic arthritis in child age results in sequelae when treated late or inappropriately. Arthrodesis is a salvage option which is rarely performed in children because of its complications and resultant disabilities. We report the case of a 16-year-old boy who had been treated with arthrodesis of his right knee at the age of seven and subsequently developed a progressive osseous deformity, eventually resulting in a 130 degrees flexion deformity of the knee. The deformity and the resulting limb length discrepancy were corrected using the Ilizarov method. In a single stage operation, a wedge resection osteotomy at the distal femur was performed and a ring fixator was applied. The mechanical axis was corrected first by gradual closing of the wedge thus avoiding damage to the posterior neurovascular structures, followed by lengthening.