Arthroscopic arthrolysis for the treatment of stiffness after total knee replacement gives moderate improvements in range of motion and functional knee scores.
Twenty-two total knee replacements (TKR's) were treated for stiffness with arthroscopy and arthrolysis. The median follow-up was 38 months. No patients were lost to follow up. Extensive scarring was found and debrided in all of the knees. The mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 42.6 (+/-7.5) to 36.3 (+/-8.5) (P < 0.05) with TKR and from 36.3 (+/-8.5) to 29.3 (+/-9.0) (P < 0.05) with arthroscopic arthrolysis. The mean arc of motion improved from 8-69 degrees post-TKR to 3-105 degrees on table, but declined slightly to 4-93 degrees (P < 0.05) at most recent review. Arthroscopic arthrolysis compares well with other methods of treatment for stiffness with regard to improvements in range of motion and functional knee scores.
Arbuthnot
J E
JE
Geelong Private Hospital, Victoria, Australia. Jamie@arbuthnot.me.uk
Brink
R B
RB
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*