Evaluation of Results of Quadricepsplasty in Postoperative Distal Femur Fracture–A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Post-traumatic knee stiffness is a debilitating complication that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life.When conservative management fails, surgical options such as quadricepsplasty become essential.This study aimed to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes of Judet and Thompson quadricepsplasty in patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness.Methods: This prospective observational study included 23 patients aged 18-60 years with knee stiffness following distal femur fractures, operated between October 2022 and January 2025.Range of motion (ROM), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and Judet criteria were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.Two surgical techniques-Judet and Thompson quadricepsplasty-were employed.All patients underwent structured postoperative rehabilitation.Results: The mean preoperative ROM was 32.45.8,which improved to 84.19.8at 6 months postoperatively (p<0.001).HSS scores averaged 85.28.6,indicating favorable functional outcomes.According to Judet criteria, 11 patients had excellent results, 8 had good, and 3 had fair outcomes.A strong correlation was found between postoperative ROM and functional scores (ROM at 6 months vs. HSS score: r=0.83; p<0.001).No major complications were noted, though 20% experienced transient extensor weakness.Conclusion: Quadricepsplasty, particularly the Judet technique, is an effective surgical intervention for post-traumatic knee stiffness.It significantly improves knee flexion and functional outcomes when combined with early, structured rehabilitation.Continued research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is needed to refine surgical and rehabilitative strategies.