What is arthrofibrosis and how does it manifest itself? Arthrofibrosis, often known as stiff knee syndrome, is a kind of arthritis that affects the joints of the knee.
If you have recently had an injury to your knee joint, you may develop this ailment. It may also develop after knee surgery, such as a knee replacement, has been performed.
Scar tissue accumulates within the knee joint over time, causing the knee joint to shrink and become more rigid.
Scar tissue caused by arthrofibrosis may have a significant influence on the range of motion of your knee. In the most extreme cases, it might result in the inability to bend and straighten the knee for the rest of the person's life.
Arthrofibrosis is associated with a number of risk factors.
The chance of developing arthrofibrosis rises with the severity of the injury to the knee joint or the amount of time spent in surgery on the knee joint, respectively.
The longer your knee is motionless, the higher your chances of developing the ailment. This is why it's critical to keep the knee moving throughout the day.
Arthrofibrosis manifests itself in a variety of ways.
Arthrofibrosis is highly rare and occurs in just a small number of people. Following a complete knee replacement, it is usual to have some knee stiffness.
It is possible that slight stiffness could linger for months or years, and that it will become more noticeable after exercise or activity. However, if arthrofibrosis develops, the following symptoms are often observed:
Gait with flexed knees
The tempo and shape with which you walk are referred to as your gait. It may provide information on the alignment and mobility of your knee. Walking with a bent knee may be a symptom of stiffness and may signal that you are developing arthrofibrosis (arthritis of the knee joint).
Knee discomfort is becoming more severe.
The pain usually diminishes gradually the following surgery in most cases. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing an increasing degree of discomfort. This might be the outcome of arthrofibrosis, particularly if it occurs in conjunction with decreased flexibility.
Swelling that continues
Arthrofibrosis is a condition that causes swelling in the soft tissue around the knee. This is distinct from swelling as a result of fluid accumulation. Your doctor will be able to pinpoint the source of the swelling and treat it accordingly.
Quadriceps are a weak muscle group.
Request that your doctor examine your knee to see whether you have arthrofibrosis if you are unable to contract the quadriceps muscle at the front of your leg or if you have other problems moving your leg.
a feeling of warmth around the knee
It is common to have a warm or hot sensation in your knee after surgery. However, if the sensation of warmth persists after two or three weeks, you should see your doctor.
So, what exactly are the therapy options for arthrofibrosis?
You will need extra therapy or maybe surgery if your surgeon determines that you have arthrofibrosis. Additional treatment options include:
Manipulation
In certain circumstances, the surgeon may move the knee while you are under sedation or anesthesia in order to break up scar tissue around the joint.
Arthroscopic surgery is a type of surgery that isn't very painful.
Scar tissue removal is becoming more popular among surgeons, who are resorting to less invasive techniques such as arthroscopic surgery. Arthrolysis is the term used to describe this phenomenon.
Open surgery is a kind of surgery in which the patient is allowed to see a doctor.
The need for more extensive surgery may be required in the most severe situations. If you have had treatment or surgery, you will need physical therapy.
Following the completion of the first therapy for arthrofibrosis, a wide range of rehabilitation activities are offered. They are intended to keep the patient moving while also preventing a recurrence of the disease. These are some examples:
- The usage of a machine that produces continuous passive motion (CPM).
- Exercises such as walking on a treadmill, cycling, and swimming are examples of types of exercise.
- bracing
Preventing the development of arthrofibrosis
While you're recuperating from surgery and resting in bed, your surgeon may recommend that you use a CPM machine. Exercises to lower the chance of developing arthrofibrosis may be prescribed by your surgeon or physical therapist as part of your treatment plan. It is possible to lower the likelihood of developing arthrofibrosis by doing the following:
- A dressing that provides compression
- Cryotherapy, often known as the administration of intense cold, is a kind of treatment.
- A drain with suction
What is the long-term forecast?
Despite the fact that arthrofibrosis is an uncommon ailment, it is crucial to be on the lookout for it. The condition is likely to cause problems in recuperating and returning to a more active lifestyle for those who suffer from it.
Continue to monitor your range of motion during your recuperation, and notify your doctor if you detect any stiffness or deterioration in the function of your artificial joint during this time.
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