Femoral shortening in the congenital dislocation of the knee joint: results of mid-term follow-up.

Femoral shortening has an advantage of gaining reduction in severe grades of congenital dislocation of the knee joint without release or lengthening of the quadriceps tendon, thereby reducing the incidence of extensor lag. We report our mid-term functional results in six patients (10 knees) with grade III congenital dislocation of the knee joint who were treated with femoral shortening. At an average follow-up of 4.1 years, the mean active range of motion was -0.5 to 107° and none of the patients had extensor lag. The results in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita were noteworthy for the absence of extensor weakness, postoperative deformity, or recurrence.