Sequential surgery for the treatment of type I knee ankylosis: a series of 62 cases

Backgrounds The lack of systematic classification and standard treatment principles for knee ankylosis prevents optimal treatments. This study explored treatments for type I (mild) knee joint ankylosis. Method This retrospective study analysed patients with knee joint ankylosis admitted from March 2013 to January 2018 who underwent sequential arthroscopic release. Result The 62 patients had 12–36 (average, 18) months of follow‐up. Thirty‐eight patients were released; of these, 18 were assisted by limited incision with partial quadriceps femoris expansion myotomy and released according to arthroscopy. Six patients underwent lengthening and release of the quadriceps femoris. All surgeries combined with full‐course rehabilitation resulted in improved joint mobility. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint recovered to a range of 0° to 85°‐140° (mean: 118.32 ± 9.42°) from the preoperative range of 30°–70° (mean: 45° ± 15.50°). The clinical effect was evaluated according to the Judet criteria at the final follow‐up. The outcomes at the last follow‐up (at least for 1 year) were excellent in 55 cases, good in six cases, and fair in one case. Conclusion Sequential arthroscopic release, minimal selective invasion of limited incision of partial quadriceps femoris expansion myotomy, assisted by pie‐crusting technique to release, or quadriceps femoris lengthening, and release surgery for type I knee joint ankylosis, accompanied by early rehabilitation training provided satisfactory results without significant complications. Sequential arthroscopic release, minimal selective invasion of limited incision of partial quadriceps femoris expansion myotomy, assisted by pie‐crusting technique to release, or quadriceps femoris lengthening, and release surgery for type I knee joint ankylosis, accompanied by early rehabilitation training provided satisfactory results. This is a safe and effective method for treating knee joint ankylosis.