title: Results of open arthrolysis for the treatment of stiffness after total knee replacement.
abstract: Stiffness is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication following total knee replacement (TKR). The treatment of this condition remains difficult and controversial. We present the results of 13 patients who underwent open arthrolysis for stiffness. The mean time between TKR and arthrolysis was 14 months. The mean follow-up was 7.2 years (2 to 10). The mean range of movement prior to arthrolysis was 55 degrees . This increased to 91 degrees , six months after arthrolysis (p < 0.005). The improved range of movement was maintained during the follow-up period. No patient has required revision of their components. We have found arthrolysis to be a useful and successful approach to post-TKR stiffness.
authors.affiliation: Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Research, 286 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, Australia 2065.
authors.forename: J R M
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Parish
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cross
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery