Mobilization under anaesthesia for correction of knee flexion deformity in haemophilia

Haemophilia patients not treated with primary or secondary prophylaxis, often present with recurrent haemarthrosis. Knee is the most frequently involved joint leading to disabling knee flexion deformity (KFD). Here, we present a retrospective study of our experience on the role of mobilization under general anaesthesia in the correction of KFD.

To study the effectiveness of mobilization under anaesthesia (MUA) for correction of knee flexion deformity (KFD) in persons with haemophilia (PWH).

Outcome of all patients managed with MUA in our multidisciplinary haemophilia clinic from 2008 to 2019 were included for analysis. PWH with KFD > 20 degree who underwent MUA were included in the study. Under general anaesthesia and cover of clotting factor replacement, gentle joint mobilization was done to achieve maximal correction in flexion deformity, followed by above knee casting in this position. The outcome measures assessed were reduction in knee flexion deformity following MUA and complications, if any.

Thirty patients (34 knees) with knee flexion deformity were included in the study. Mean age of the study population was 14.23 years ± 8.3. Study population was analysed in two groups, Group 1 included patients who underwent single MUA and Group 2, patients who underwent two or more MUA. There was significant improvement in KFD correction in both groups. [Group 1; Mean difference: 22 ± 13.7, p value -0.01, 95% CI (16.4-27.5) and Group 2; Mean difference 48.8 ± 19.8, p value -0.00, 95% CI (34.2-64.5)].

MUA can be effective in the short-term correction of KFD in PWH particularly those below 15 years of age. It should be done judiciously when target correction is not achieved with other physical methods.