Flexion Contractures: Getting It Straight

The importance of correcting soft tissue imbalance at the time of total knee arthroplasty is well recognized. Fixed knee flexion contractures are common preoperatively and can make balancing more challenging for the surgeon. In addition, restoration of full passive knee extension is required at the time of total knee arthroplasty to achieve optimal function. The objective of this article is to give the reader a stepwise approach, based on the degree of flexion contracture, to effectively attain full extension in the operating room.