Sagittal Knee Kinematics Following Combined Hamstring Lengthening and Rectus Femoris Transfer

The purpose of this study was to review knee kinematics following combined hamstring lengthening and rectus femoris transfer. Previous findings reported in the literature include kinematic changes in the magnitude of stance-phase maximum knee flexion, stance-phase minimum knee flexion (extension), and swing-phase maximum knee flexion; the timing of swing-phase maximum knee flexion and swingphase minimum knee flexion (extension); and total knee excursion. Twenty-three children underwent bilateral (22) or unilateral (1) hamstring lengthening and rectus femoris transfer (45 knees) at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, KY between January 1996 and December 2001. Sagittal knee kinematic data were obtained as part of a complete gait study accomplished before surgery and at 1 year after surgery. Values were compared using a paired t test method set at a p < .05 level to determine statistical significance. Changes were seen in the magnitude of stance-phase maximum knee flexion, stance-phase minimum knee flexion (extension), swing-phase maximum knee flexion, and swing-phase minimum knee flexion (extension); in the timing of swing-phase maximum knee flexion; and in total knee excursion. (Journal of the Southern Orthopaedic Association 12(3):149–153, 2003)