Introduction. Extension contracture of the knee is a complication of femoral fractures with significant soft tissue injury. The Judet quadricepsplasty is a surgical alternative to increase knee range of motion. Material and methods. We report the case of a patient with severe stiffness of knee following an open bifocal femoral fracture stabilized by osteosynthesis that was complicated by an infection and delayed healing that required several surgeries for stabilization. Judet quadricepsplasty was performed followed by intensive rehabilitation for increasing knee flexion. Results. In the postoperative care flexion and extension of 0-100º was achieved, and reduced to 95º after 3 months and remained the same at 6 months postoperatively, with a muscular strength of 4 out of 5 in quadriceps and psoas. Conclusion. The Judet quadricepsplasty is an effective technique to regain mobility in case of severe extension stiffness.

Introduction. Extension contracture of the knee is a complication of femoral fractures with significant soft tissue injury. The Judet quadricepsplasty is a surgical alternative to increase knee range of motion. Material and methods. We report the case of a patient with severe stiffness of knee following an open bifocal femoral fracture stabilized by osteosynthesis that was complicated by an infection and delayed healing that required several surgeries for stabilization. Judet quadricepsplasty was performed followed by intensive rehabilitation for increasing knee flexion. Results. In the postoperative care flexion and extension of 0-100º was achieved, and reduced to 95º after 3 months and remained the same at 6 months postoperatively, with a muscular strength of 4 out of 5 in quadriceps and psoas. Conclusion. The Judet quadricepsplasty is an effective technique to regain mobility in case of severe extension stiffness.