[Surgical treatment of stiff knee following femoral sepsis and septic arthritis of the knee (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the results of attempts to restore joint movement in stiff knees after septic non-union of fractures of the femoral shaft or after septic arthritis of the knee by arthrolysis and quadriceps release. Fifteen procedures were done on fourteen patients with severe limitation of movements. The results were gratifying; eight very good and four good. No case was made worse. The technique is described in detail and operative and post-operative complications described. A long-term follow-up study showed that the results tended to improve after several years. The prognosis can be based on the degree of flexion obtained during operation, though free flexion should be distinguished from forced flexion. It is concluded that the procedures used are worthwhile in spite of previous sepsis.