Arthroscopic fibroarthrolysis and mobilization under anesthesia is a simple, reproducible and satisfsactory method for the treatment of patients with severe post-traumatic arthrofibrosis of the knee

• Published in: Revista española de cirugía ortopédica y traumatología 2024-07
• Main Authors: Franulic, Nicolás, Laso, José, Pino, Cristóbal Del, Brito, Cristian, Olivieri, Rodrigo, Gaggero, Nicolás
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1988-8856
• DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2024.07.008

To evaluate the range of motion (ROM) of the knee in patients with severe post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis after being treated with arthroscopic fibroarthrolysis (AFA) and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Case series of patients with severe post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis who underwent AFL + MUA in a national referral center. The primary outcome to be assessed was ROM before and after surgery and then at 3-month intervals until a minimum follow-up of one year was completed. 51 patients were included. The main injuries preceding the stiffness were tibial plateau fracture (37.3%), distal femur fracture (27.5%), and femoral shaft fracture (15.7%). Forty-five patients had severe flexion deficits with a median preoperative flexion of 70º. Intraoperative flexion significantly improved to 110º. Significant loss of flexion was observed at 3 and 6 months, however, patients regained ROM in the 9 and 12-month follow-ups. At discharge, 80% of the patients achieved flexion of 90º or more. There were 4 intraoperative complications and 3 reinterventions were performed. AFA + MUA can help patients with severe post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis to recover ROM in most cases. However, this procedure is not without risks and complications, therefore, careful consideration should be given to its indication and execution.