Continuous passive motion in the treatment of knee flexion contractures. A case report

Joint contractures are a problem frequently encountered by therapists. Methods of treating joint contractures traditionally have consisted of range-of-motion and stretching exercises. The medical literature suggests that, to be effective, ROM and stretching exercises must be performed with well-controlled speed, force, and duration. The patient in our case study used continuous passive motion machines after conventional methods of exercise failed. He subsequently demonstrated a 55-degree, bilateral reduction in knee flexion contractures. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the use of continuous passive motion machines in the treatment of severe knee flexion contractures.