Objective: To study the effectiveness of pie-crusting technique in improving the stiff knee.
Methods: From February 2012 to December 2013, 13 patients with stiff knee were reviewed retrospectively. There were 6 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 39 to 70 years old (averaged, 55.6 years old). Of the 13 cases, 8 patients had stiffness following fracture (comminuted tibial plateau fracture in 4, femoral supracondylar fracture in 3 and patellar fracture in 1), 5 patients had TKA-related stiffness.
Results: A follow-up lasted 8 to 12 months (mean 10 months)in 13 cases. The mean maximum flexion increased from (37 ± 6)° preoperatively to (52 ± 7)° after arthrolysis, and (108 ± 7)° after pie-crusting. At the final follow-up, mean maximum flexion was (105 ± 6)°. According to Judet evaluation system, 10 patients got an excellent result and 3 good. No major complications, such as extensor lag, skin necrosis, deep infection, dislocation of the patella or recurrent stiffness were found.
Conclusion: The percutaneous technique of pie-crusting is a simple, minimally invasive and effective treatment for knee stiffness.