Use of Knee Extension Device During Rehabilitation of a Patient with Type 3 Arthrofibrosis after ACL Reconstruction.

Abstract

Background: Arthrofibrosis is a frequent complication following rehabilitation of a patient with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although prevention is the best treatment, little information exists within the literature regarding the management and rehabilitation intervention for arthrofibrosis. In this case report a rehabilitation program in the treatment of a patient with arthrofibrosis is described.

Objectives: To identify the importance of discrete measures of knee range of motion in the knee of a patient following ACL reconstruction in order to help prevent postoperative complications.

Case description: The patient was an 18-year-old female who sustained an ACL and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in a basketball game and underwent an ACL reconstruction with an ipsilateral patellar tendon graft. The patient developed arthrofibrosis and, despite traditional physical therapy of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, the patient continued to complain of pain, stiffness, limited activities of daily living, and the inability to participate in competitive sports. This patient used a knee extension device as part of her rehabilitation program.

Outcomes: The patient was able to obtain knee extension and flexion equal to her opposite normal knee. Upon completion of the rehabilitation program, the patient returned to full activities of daily living and competitive sports.

Discussion: Increasing and maintaining knee extension that is equal to the opposite normal knee is an important component in the successful outcome for the patient after ACL reconstruction. The use of a knee extension device may provide an effective rehabilitation intervention in the treatment of arthrofibrosis.