|
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, Vol 87-B, Issue 10,
1357-1360.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.87B10.16228 Copyright © 2005 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery Results of open arthrolysis for the treatment of stiffness after total knee replacementJ. R. M. Hutchinson, MBBS, FRCS(Orth&Tr), Research Fellow1; E. N. Parish, MHSc, Research Assistant1; and M. J. Cross, OAM, MBBS, MD, FRACS, Orthopaedic Surgeon11 Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Research, 286 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, Australia 2065. Correspondence should be sent to Dr M. J. Cross; e-mail: mervcros{at}ozemail.com
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°. This increased to 91°, 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.
|
|


