Modified posterior soft tissue release for management of severe knee flexion contracture

A modified posterior soft tissue release has been used in treating severe flexion contracture of the knee in 30 patients (36 knees). The operative technique has been modified with respect to the skin incision, and lengthening of the medial hamstrings. It is performed without a tourniquet. Postoperative skeletal traction was applied with gradual increasing weight to rapidly correct residual deformity. The deformity was fully corrected in 30 knees. The only complication was superficial skin necrosis over a small area, which occured in two knees. In six knees, 10 degrees of flexion deformity persisted after treatment. In four additional knees, 10 degrees of flexion deformity recurred due to lack of continued therapy. The modified posterior soft tissue release operation gave good results without any serious complications.