Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
[Genu recurvatum: a serious complication of intra-quadriceps injections in the African context]
Michel Onimus1,2, Anselme Yafondo3
1Faculté de médecine de Besançon, 19 Rue Ambroise Paré, 25000 Besançon, France.
Introduction:
Genu recurvatum is a serious complication of intra-quadriceps injections.
Materials And Methods:
This study reports on 25 cases of genu recurvatum collected during 104 pediatric orthopedic surgery missions in the Central African Republic. Of these cases, 12 could be reviewed with sufficient follow-up and/or radiographic evaluation.
Results:
Genu recurvatum impairs walking and makes running impossible. It becomes extremely severe when it is bilateral or exceeds 90°. Treatment options are limited due to osteoarticular changes that occur during growth. These changes include trochlear hypoplasia, flattening of the anterior aspect of the femoral condyles, and anterior subluxation of the tibia. Despite the fact that the genu recurvatum was corrected immediately postoperatively, the knee was stiff in extension in all but one of the reviewed cases.
Conclusion:
Fortunately, intra-quadriceps injections are currently prohibited, so this complication should become rare.
