Extreme stiff knee recurvatum following manipulation under anesthesia and botulinum neurotoxin injection

Abstract

In this article we report a case of stiff, neglected extreme recurvatum knee deformity in a 17-year-old female. This is the first reported case in the literature of an acquired ligamentous stiff extreme knee recurvatum following manipulation under anesthesia and botulinum neurotoxin injection. Μodified Judet quadricepsplasty combined with Ilizarov external hinged frame fixation was implemented. This dual technique can be considered as a rational approach for such an extreme deformity as it stabilizes, progressively corrects, and prevents recurrence. A patellar tendon rupture caused by the increasing tension of the extensor mechanism following the correction was treated successfully using a cadaveric Achilles tendon allograft.

Keywords: Ilizarov frame; Knee genu recurvatum; Manipulation under anesthesia; Patellar tendon reconstruction; Patellar tendon rupture; Quadricepsplasty.