Old but gold: Is the Judet procedure still a viable option for posttraumatic knee stiffness in 2024? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Posttraumatic extension contracture of the knee (PECK) is common after knee injury. Initial management is conservative to improve the range of motion; if it fails, surgery may be necessary. This systematic review analyses existing literature on Judet quadricepsplasty for PECK. We will assess clinical outcomes, complications, patient satisfaction and factors that may influence its success.

Methods

A search was conducted on 25 November 2023, adhering to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were used. Search strings were ([Judet] OR [quadricepsplasty]) AND (knee) AND (stiffness) and ([Judet] OR [quadricepsplasty]) AND (knee). Inclusion criteria: English articles focused on PECK, published between 2003 and 2023, and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Exclusion criteria: case reports, alternative techniques, knee stiffness cases not only due to trauma, a sample size of <10 patients and articles not reporting functional outcomes.

Results

Among selected studies, 239 patients were considered. The average time between injury and Judet was 27 months. The population was predominantly male; the mean follow-up was 33 months. An average intraoperative knee range of motion improvement of 79.1 degrees (confidence interval 76.9; 81.3) compared to the average preoperative starting value of 30.7 degrees was observed. This improvement decreased by 13.5 degrees at the first postoperative check and by an additional 2.4 degrees at the follow-up, while maintaining an average value of bending above 90 degrees.

Conclusion

Judet quadricepsplasty appears an effective technique for the management of PECK. The heterogeneity of included studies and the absence of standardized outcome measures limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Level of Evidence

Level III.