Summary
Quadriceps contracture is a well documented postoperative complication of femoral
fractures, especially in immature animals. Historically, management of this condition
has been difficult, and long-term prognosis has usually been poor. This case documents
surgical correction of the quad-riceps contracture in a mixed breed dog, and the use
of a dynamic stifle flexion apparatus postoperatively. The purpose of the dynamic
stifle flexion apparatus was to encourage early, active use of the affected limb by
the patient. Concurrent passive flexion and extension exercises, by the owner, were
an integral component in preventing recurrence of pathological contracture of the
quadriceps muscle group.
Quadriceps contracture of the left quadriceps muscle group was diagnosed in a sixteen-week-old
mixed breed dog twelve weeks following repair of a femur fracture. Surgical correction
of the contracture was undertaken, and a dynamic stifle flexion device was applied
to prevent future recurrence of the contracture. Sixteen weeks following repair, function
had returned to the limb with stifle and hock ranges of motion approaching the values
measured immediately postoperatively.
Keywords
Quadriceps contracture - dynamic stifle flexion device - femur fracture
