Arthrofibrosis

Arthrofibrosis comes from the Greek words for arthro (joint), fib (fibrous) and osis (abnormality). It is a condition that can affect any joint of the body but is most commonly associated with the knee joint. Arthrofibrosis can occur as a result of the natural aging process or as a complication following knee surgery or trauma to the knee, causing the knee joint to produce excess scar tissue. As the knee continues to produce scar tissue, it causes the joint capsule to shrink, resulting in loss of range of motion. As the joint capsule shrinks, tendons that surround the joint and attach muscle to bone also shrink in an attempt to stabilize the knee joint.

While some patients inherit arthrofibrosis as a result of genetic factors, it is typically found in post-surgical patients who did not receive proper physical therapy. Patients with sensitive knees or low thresholds for pain may choose not to complete physical therapy, lengthening their recovery and risking permanent loss of joint movement. Patients with inherited arthrofibrosis are more prone to produce scar tissue than others without the condition.

Years ago, common practice dictated that patients’ knees be set in casts or braces immediately following surgery. Today, patients are encouraged to exercise their knee’s range of motion within the first hours following surgery to reduce the occurrences of scar tissue. Continuous Passive Motion machines are often used to help speed the patient’s recovery, essentially moving the knee joint for them. Studies have shown that patients who used CPM machines during the first few weeks following surgery had faster recovery times with better range of motion than those who didn’t.

For patients with arthofibrosis, Physical Therapy is essential to achieving a full recovery and can guide your rehabilitation to assure you return to 100% as quickly and safely as possible. By slowly increasing the range of motion of the knee joint, therapists can help to break up the scar tissue, eventually leading to more normal knee function. Severe cases of arthrofibrosis can be corrected using arthoscopic scar tissue resection to remove the restrictive scar tissue.

For more information regarding arthofibrosis email info@proaxistherapy.com. To make an appointment for therapy, please call Proaxis Therapy at (864) 454-0904.