Arthrofibrosis of the knee

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Biomechanics

Background:

• Decreased incidence of motion loss post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction due to improved surgical timing, techniques, and rehabilitation.
• Continued compromise of functional outcomes from motion loss in high-energy, multiligament knee injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding and management strategies for motion loss following knee injuries, particularly arthrofibrosis.
• To highlight the importance of prevention and discuss reliable treatment options for established motion loss.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on arthrofibrosis pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment after knee ligament injuries.
• Discussion of surgical and non-surgical interventions for managing knee motion loss.

Main Results:

• Prevention through inflammation control and early motion is crucial for avoiding post-operative knee stiffness.
• Manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions are effective treatments for motion loss.
• Open surgical débridement is a salvage procedure for refractory cases.

Conclusions:

• Early intervention and prevention are paramount in managing knee motion loss after ligament injuries.
• While surgical techniques have advanced, multiligament injuries pose significant challenges.
• Further research into arthrofibrosis pathogenesis may yield new therapeutic approaches.