title: A less invasive procedure for posttraumatic knee stiffness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Management of posttraumatic knee stiffness (PTKS) is among the most difficult challenges in postoperative rehabilitation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Beijing Charity Hospital, Feng Tai District, Jiao Men Bei Road #10, Beijing 100068, People's Republic of China. keminlqliu@sina.com
authors.forename: Ke-Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Sihai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zhigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Xinzuo
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Anqin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome