Management of quadriceps contracture in a dog using a static flexion apparatus and physiotherapy

Abstract

A four-month-old golden retriever developed quadriceps contracture following management of a comminuted femoral fracture with an intramedullary pin and cerclage wire. Management involved surgical release of the quadriceps, rigid stabilisation of the fracture, use of a static stifle flexion apparatus and postoperative physiotherapy. The dog returned to full activity with normal stifle function.

The use of a stifle flexion device to manage avulsion of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle in a cat

“…In the cat described in this report, the tendon repair was protected with a flexion device. The use of such a device has been reported once before in a young dog with a quadriceps contracture (29). For the cat reported here, the device allowed full rangeof-motion of the hock with a controlled extension of the stifle.…”

Traumatic fibrotic myopathy of the tensor fascia lata muscle in a Whippet

“…Whilst various different physiotherapy regimens have been suggested for prevention of recurrence, the specifics are variable and there is little objective data reported (4,20). Intuitively the type and duration of physiotherapy probably plays a significant role in management of dogs with fibrotic myopathies and warrants further investigations.…”

Feline Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

“…However, once the condition is advanced and fibrosis is established, the prog-nosis for restoring limb function without surgery is poor. [11][12][13] It has been reported that surgery itself may not be beneficial for all contractures; but, when it is performed, postoperative rehabilitation is particularly necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence due to scarring of transected tissues. [13][14][15] Degenerative joint disease In general, less is known about degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats compared with dogs, even though there is radiographic evidence to suggest an incidence as high as 90% in geriatric cats, with the elbows predominantly being affected.…”