A long-standing flexion contracture of 9 rheumatoid knees was treated with a serial corrective cast method followed by a surgical posterior capsuloplasty. Wilson's procedure with Z-plasties in the iliotibial tract and the biceps tendon was employed for the posterior capsuloplasty. The follow-up periods ranged from 7 months to 9 years with an average of 2.4 years. The initial average contracture of 64.4 degrees was corrected to 16.9 degrees with a practical range of motion. Of the 9 joints

more »

... d, 6 had enough ability for weight bearing and showed a favorable remodeling of the joint surfaces in roentgenographs, while 3 required total joint replacement because of pain. The results encourage us to stress the importance of the soft tissue rebalancing, even if the articular surface is destroyed and total joint replacement is being considered.