What is knee arthrofibrosis?

What is knee arthrofibrosis?

Knee arthrofibrosis is a condition that causes limited joint range of motion due to scar tissue formation following a knee injury, a previous surgery or prolonged symptoms of osteoarthritis.

How do you fix arthrofibrosis of the knee?

Treatment. The first treatment for arthrofibrosis is rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and swelling. You’ll likely be advised to start gentle range-of-motion exercises to increase flexibility. You may also be referred to physical therapy to improve your use of the joint.

Can arthrofibrosis be treated?

Milder forms of arthrofibrosis can successfully be treated with rehabilitation only. Physical therapy often decreases pain and improves function enough that surgery isn’t necessary. If surgery is necessary, the physical therapy helps ensure a better result and a faster recovery.

What is knee manipulation?

Knee manipulation is a procedure to treat knee stiffness and decreased range of motion. After trauma or knee surgery, scar tissue can form in your joint. The scar tissue does not allow you to fully bend or straighten your leg. Knee manipulation breaks up the scar tissue that has formed.

How do you break up arthrofibrosis?

Mild cases of arthrofibrosis may be resolved with intensive physical therapy alone. Other treatments include manipulation under anesthesia, when a physician manipulates the knee in a controlled fashion to break up the scar tissue. Surgery may also be an option for some patients.

Is arthrofibrosis a disability?

Arthrofibrosis, a buildup of scar tissue after surgery that causes stiffness and pain, can lead to severe disability, making it nearly impossible to bend the joint. For patients, it can be extremely frustrating, leading to more procedures and longer recoveries.

How can I break up scar tissue in my knee?

Warmth and swelling around the knee. Mild cases of arthrofibrosis may be resolved with intensive physical therapy alone. Other treatments include manipulation under anesthesia, when a physician manipulates the knee in a controlled fashion to break up the scar tissue. Surgery may also be an option for some patients.

Does arthrofibrosis worsen?

Symptoms begin gradually and worsen as the knee is moved less and less due to pain following a trauma, complication of poor joint mobilization with physical therapy or non-compliance with a home exercise program following surgical management. By utilizing the knee less, adhesions form within the joint and soft tissue.