A less invasive procedure for posttraumatic knee stiffness.

INTRODUCTION

Management of posttraumatic knee stiffness (PTKS) is among the most difficult challenges in postoperative rehabilitation.

AIM

The purpose of this retrospective study was to present the outcomes of a procedure for PTKS. In this study, a less invasive procedure was introduced, which included intra-articular arthroscopic release, extra-articular mini-incision release and "multiple Z" lengthening of the knee extensor, as well as an early, aggressive rehabilitation protocol.

PATIENTS

A series of patients aged from 29 to 60 years were treated with this procedure from April 2005 to May 2009, and the mean duration of follow-up was 13.5 months.

RESULTS

The range of motion increased significantly in all patients. Flexion improved from a mean of 51° preoperation to a mean of 100° at discharge, and the average extension loss improved from 10° to 3° (p < 0.000). The average knee score, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery system, improved from 62 points preoperatively to 77 points at discharge, and 91 points at final follow-up (p < 0.000). All the patients were satisfied with the final ROM gain.