Abstract
Introduction
Management of posttraumatic knee stiffness (PTKS) is among the most difficult challenges in postoperative rehabilitation.
Aim
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.
Patients
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.
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Liu, Km., Liu, S., Cui, Z. et al. A less invasive procedure for posttraumatic knee stiffness. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 131, 797–802 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-010-1223-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-010-1223-z