Arthrofibrosis is a relatively frequent complication after total knee arthroplasty. Although stiffness after total hip arthroplasty (THA), because of formation of heterotopic ossification or other causes, is not uncommon, to the authors’ best knowledge, arthrofibrosis after THA has not been described. The aim of this study is to describe the arthrofibrosis of the hip after primary total hip arthroplasty using an established clinical and histological classification of arthrofibrosis. We retrospectively examined all patients who were histologically confirmed to have arthrofibrosis after primary THA during revision surgery by examination of tissue samples in our clinic. Arthrofibrosis was diagnosed according to the histopathological SLIM-consensus classification, which defines seven different SLIM types of the periimplant synovial membrane. The SLIM type V determines the diagnosis of endoprosthesis-associated arthrofibrosis. The study population consists of 66 patients who were revised due to arthrofibrosis after primary THA. All patients had a limitation in range of motion prior to revision with a mean flexion of 90° (range from 40 to 125), mean internal rotation of 10° (range from 0 to 40) and mean external rotation of 20° (range from 0 to 50). All patients had histological SLIM type V arthrofibrosis, corresponding to endoprosthesis-associated arthrofibrosis. Histological examination revealed that seven patients (10.6%) had particle-induced and 59 patients (89.4%) had non-particle-induced arthrofibrosis. This is the first decription of endoprosthetic-associated arthrofibrosis after primary THA on the basis of a well-established histological classification. Our study results could enable new therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities in patients with such an arthrofibrosis. Surgeons should keep arthrofibrosis as a possible cause for stiffness and pain after primary total hip arthroplasty in mind. Level of evidence Diagnostic study, Level of Evidence IV. Thorsten Gehrke and Lara Althaus contributed equally to the writing of this manuscript

Arthrofibrosis is a less common complication following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and there are concerns that undergoing early surgery may be associated with arthrofibrosis. The aim of this study was to identify the patient and surgical risk factors for arthrofibrosis following primary ACL reconstruction. Primary ACL reconstructions prospectively recorded in the New Zealand ACL Registry between April 2014 and December 2019 were analyzed. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) database was used to identify patients who underwent a subsequent reoperation with review of operation notes to identify those who had a reoperation for “arthrofibrosis” or “stiffness”. Univariate Chi-Square test and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to identify the risk factors for arthrofibrosis. 9617 primary ACL reconstructions were analyzed, of which 215 patients underwent a subsequent reoperation for arthrofibrosis (2.2%). A higher risk of arthrofibrosis was observed in female patients (adjusted HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.22 – 2.27, p = 0.001), patients with a history of previous knee surgery (adjusted HR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.11 – 3.50, p = 0.021) and when a transtibial femoral tunnel drilling technique was used (adjusted HR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.06 – 2.28, p = 0.024). Patients who underwent early ACL reconstruction within 6 weeks of their injury did not have a higher risk of arthrofibrosis when compared to patients who underwent surgery more than 6 weeks after their injury (3.5% versus 2.1%, adjusted HR = 1.56, 95% CI 0.97 – 2.50, p = 0.07). Age, graft type and concomitant meniscal injury did not influence the rate of arthrofibrosis. Female sex, a history of previous knee surgery and a transtibial femoral tunnel drilling technique are risk factors for arthrofibrosis following primary ACL reconstruction

Abstract. 20% of patients are severely dis-satisfied following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Arthrofibrosis is a devastating complication preventing normal knee range of motion (ROM), severely impacting patient's daily living activities. A previous RCT demonstrated superiority of a high intensity stretching programme using a novel device the STAK tool compared with standard physiotherapy in TKA patients with arthrofibrosis. This study analyses the results when the previous “standard physiotherapy” group were subsequently treated with the STAK tool. Methods. 15 patients post TKA with severe arthrofibrosis and mean ROM 71° were recruited, (three cases had previously failed manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Patients received 8 weeks standard physiotherapy, then treatment with the STAK at home for 8 weeks. ROM, extension, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were collected at various time-points. Results. Following standard physiotherapy there were small improvements in ROM (8°) (p<0.01), but no significant improvements in extension, OKS or WOMAC (p=0.39). Following the STAK treatment all outcomes significantly improved (p<0.01). STAK group; mean ROM (21° versus 8°, p < 0.001), extension 9° versus 2° (p < 0.01), WOMAC (18 points versus 3, p < 0.01), and OKS (8 points versus 4, p<0.01). No patients suffered any complications relating to the STAK. Conclusions. The STAK is effective in increasing ROM, extension and function, whilst reducing pain and stiffness. The device can be considered a cost-effective and valuable treatment following TKA. This is likely to increase the overall satisfaction rate and has potential to reduce the need for MUA

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether internal mal-rotation of the femoral component is associated with arthrofibrosis in TKA. We hypothesized arthrofibrosis may be triggered by a combination of non-physiological kinematics (femoral component internal rotation) and a tight medial compartment. Methods: From a consecutive cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA forty-four (1.4%) cases were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which thirty-eight (86%) cases could be recruited. Thirty-eight patients with a well functioning TKA served as matched controls. Evaluation included CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation with reference to the transepicon-dylar axis (TEA). Results: Femoral components in the AF group were significantly (p< 0.00001) internally mal-rotated by a mean of 4.7 degrees ranging from ten degrees internal rotation (IR) to one degree external rotation (ER). Mean femoral rotational in the control group was parallel (0.3 degrees IR) to the TEA (six degrees IR to four degrees ER). Arthrofibrosis was not associated with age, gender, body-mass-index, or preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions: There is a highly significant association between arthrofibrosis in TKA and internal mal-rotation of the femoral component. On the base of these results it was hypothesized that non-physiological kinematics in TKA with mal-aligned femoral components influence and/or trigger arthrofibrosis in TKA. In TKA with arthrofibrosis, we now consider femoral CT evaluation with the view to surgically rebalancing the flexion gap and realigning the femoral component, when internal mal-rotation is confirmed

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the femoral component rotation in a small subset of patients who had developed arthrofibrosis after mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Arthrofibrosis was defined as flexion less than 90 degrees or a flexion contracture greater than 10 degrees following TKA. From a consecutive cohort of 3,058 mobile-bearing TKAs, 49 (1.6%) patients were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which 38 (86%) could be recruited for clinical assessment. Femoral rotation of a control group of 38 asymptomatic TKA patients matched for age, gender, and body mass index was also evaluated. The surgical epicondylar axis was compared with the posterior condylar axis for the femoral prosthesis. Femoral components in the arthrofibrosis group were significantly internally rotated by a mean of 4.7 degrees (SD 2.2 degrees, range 10 degrees internal to 1 degrees external). In the control group, the femoral component had a mean 0.3 degrees internal rotation (SD 2.3 degrees, range 4 degrees internal to 6 degrees external). Following mobile-bearing TKA, there is a significant correlation between internal femoral component rotation and chronic arthrofibrosis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether internal mal-rotation of the femoral component is associated with arthrofibrosis in TKA. Multiple etiological factors have been suggested, but specific causes have not been identified. We hypothesized arthrofibrosis may be triggered by a combination of non-physiological kinematics (femoral component internal rotation) and a tight medial compartment. From a consecutive cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA forty-four (1.4%) cases were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which thirty-eight (86%) cases could be recruited. Thirty-eight patients with a well functioning TKA served as matched controls. Evaluation included CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation with reference to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results: Femoral components in the AF group were significantly (p< 0.00001) internally mal-rotated by a mean of 4.7 degrees ranging from ten degrees internal rotation (IR) to one degree external rotation (ER). Mean femoral rotational in the control group was parallel (0.3 degrees IR) to the TEA (six degrees IR to four degrees ER). Arthrofibrosis was not associated with age, gender, body-mass-index, or preoperative diagnosis. There is a highly significant association between arthrofibrosis in TKA and internal mal-rotation of the femoral component. On the base of these results it was hypothesized that non-physiological kinematics in TKA with mal-aligned femoral components influence and/or trigger arthrofibrosis in TKA

Background:. The purpose of this study was to determine whether internal mal-rotation of the femoral component is associated with arthrofibrosis in TKA. Multiple etiological factors have been suggested, but specific causes have not been identified. We hypothesized arthrofibrosis may be triggered by a combination of non-physiological kinematics (femoral component internal rotation) and a tight medial compartment. Methods:. From a consecutive cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA forty-four (1. 4%) cases were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which thirty-eight (86%) cases could be recruited. Thirty-eight patients with a well functioning TKA served as matched controls. Evaluation included CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation with reference to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results:. Femoral components in the AF group were significantly (p< 0. 00001) internally mal-rotated by a mean of 4. 7 degrees ranging from ten degrees internal rotation (IR) to one degree external rotation (ER). Mean femoral rotational in the control group was parallel (0. 3 degrees IR) to the TEA (six degrees IR to four degrees ER). Arthrofibrosis was not associated with age, gender, body-mass-index, or preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions:. There is a highly significant association between arthrofibrosis in TKA and internal mal-rotation of the femoral component. On the base of these results it was hypothesized that non-physiological kinematics in TKA with mal-aligned femoral components influence and/or trigger arthrofibrosis in TKA. Clinical Relevance:. In TKA with arthrofibrosis, we now consider femoral CT evaluation with the view to surgically rebalancing the flexion gap and realigning the femoral component, when internal mal-rotation is confirmed. *This study has been cleared by the Ethical Committee, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Background:. The purpose of this study was to determine whether internal mal-rotation of the femoral component is associated with arthrofibrosis in TKA. Multiple etiological factors have been suggested, but specific causes have not been identified. We hypothesized arthrofibrosis may be triggered by a combination of non-physiological kinematics (femoral component internal rotation) and a tight medial compartment. Methods:. From a consecutive cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA forty-four (1. 4%) cases were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which thirty-eight (86%) cases could be recruited. Thirty-eight patients with a well functioning TKA served as matched controls. Evaluation included CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation with reference to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results:. Femoral components in the AF group were significantly (p< 0. 00001) internally mal-rotated by a mean of 4. 7 degrees ranging from ten degrees internal rotation (IR) to one degree external rotation (ER). Mean femoral rotational in the control group was parallel (0. 3 degrees IR) to the TEA (six degrees IR to four degrees ER). Arthrofibrosis was not associated with age, gender, body-mass-index, or preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions:. There is a highly significant association between arthrofibrosis in TKA and internal mal-rotation of the femoral component. On the base of these results it was hypothesized that non-physiological kinematics in TKA with mal-aligned femoral components influence and/or trigger arthrofibrosis in TKA. Clinical Relevance:. In TKA with arthrofibrosis, we now consider femoral CT evaluation with the view to surgically rebalancing the flexion gap and realigning the femoral component, when internal mal-rotation is confirmed. *This study has been cleared by the Ethical Committee, University of Zurich, Switzerland

The purpose of this study was to analyse a potential correlation of arthrofibrosis (AF) and femoral rotational mal-alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized an increased internal mal-rotation of the femoral component leading to unphysiological kinematic motion of the arthroplastic knee joint. These repetitive microtrauma may then induce increased synovial hyperplasia leading to arthrofibrosis. Arthrofibrosis is an ill-defined entity that results in unsatisfactory outcome following TKA. Biological and mechanical factors have been suggested as etiology, but specific causes have not been identified. Methods: From a cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA 44 (1.4%) cases were diagnosed with arthrofibrosis, of which 38 (86%) cases underwent clinical examination and CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation taking the transepicondylar (TEA) axis as reference point. A control group with 38 well functioning TKA was compared. Results: Increased internal mal-rotation of the femoral component of 5.0° in the AF group (reference to the TEA) was highly significant (p < 0.001) ranging from 10°IR to 1°ER compared with the control group (0.0° parallel to TEA, 4°IR to 5°ER). Men younger than average for index TKA in this center with a decreased BMI, previous knee surgery (particularly correcting osteoto-mies), poliomyelitis, and OA had an increased risk of developing arthrofibrosis. PCL retaining or sacrificing, patella resurfacing or retaining had no increased prevalence for AF. Rheumatoid patients had a decreased risk of developing arthrofibrosis . Conclusion: The correlation of AF to femoral component internal mal-rotation was statistically significant (p < 0.001). These results confirm that unphysiological kinematics in TKA appear to be a major etiopathological factor for arthrofibrosis (AF). In this study femoral component internal mal-rotation has shown to be a significant risk factor in the development of arthrofibrosis. We, therefore, recommend consideration of early CT evaluation in cases with AF and, when internally mal-rotated, revision of the femoral component. This study has been cleared by the Ethical Committee, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Introduction: Stiffness following Total Knee Arthroplasty is a serious and debilitating complication. There are many different patient and surgical factors implicated in it cause. Previous studies have suggested that it will occur in approximately 1% of TKR patients. Arthrofibrosis is an uncommon but potentially debilitating cause in an otherwise well positioned implant. The cause of this abnormal scar formation is as yet unknown. The treatment of this condition remains difficult and controversial. Revision of the TKR has been suggested as the gold standard treatment as other operative strategies have had limited success. Our approach to this problem has been to conserve the prosthesis and try to release the scar tissue. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the results of open arthrolysis in the treatment of established arthrofibrosis. Method: 1522 patients undergoing primary uncemented TKR have been prospectively followed up (2022 TKR’s) using the International Knee Society Scores. 13 patients underwent open Arthrolysis for stiffness post-op (Incidence 0.64%). The average age was 65 (range 50–78). 6 cases were simultaneous bilateral procedures (Incidence 1.2% of simultaneous bilateral procedures). The average time between TKR and arthrolysis was 14 months. Our average follow-op was 7.2 years (range 2 – 10 years). Results: The average ROM just prior to Arthrolysis was 58°. The average ROM six months after surgery had improved to 91° (p< 0.05). The average ROM at last follow-up was 95° (p< 0.05) with an average Knee Society score of 155 (pain 83, function 72). No patients have required revision of their components. Conclusions: We have found open arthrolysis a successful approach to post-op arthrofibrosis. Although a large procedure it has been well tolerated by our patients. They have had an improvement in range of movement by six months which has been maintained up to 10 years

Aims. Arthrofibrosis is a relatively common complication after joint injuries and surgery, particularly in the knee. The present study used a previously described and validated rabbit model to assess the biomechanical, histopathological, and molecular effects of the mast cell stabilizer ketotifen on surgically induced knee joint contractures in female rabbits. Methods. A group of 12 skeletally mature rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. One group received subcutaneous (SQ) saline, and a second group received SQ ketotifen injections. Biomechanical data were collected at eight, ten, 16, and 24 weeks. At the time of necropsy, posterior capsule tissue was collected for histopathological and gene expression analyses (messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein). Results. At the 24-week timepoint, there was a statistically significant increase in passive extension among rabbits treated with ketotifen compared to those treated with saline (p = 0.03). However, no difference in capsular stiffness was detected. Histopathological data failed to demonstrate a decrease in the density of fibrous tissue or a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining with ketotifen treatment. In contrast, tryptase and α-SMA protein expression in the ketotifen group were decreased when compared to saline controls (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in α-SMA (ACTA2) gene expression in the ketotifen group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Collectively, these data suggest that ketotifen mitigates the severity of contracture formation in a rabbit model of arthrofibrosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):302–310

The aim of this study was to report the incidence of arthrofibrosis of the knee and identify risk factors for its development following a fracture of the tibial plateau. We carried out a retrospective review of 186 patients (114 male, 72 female) with a fracture of the tibial plateau who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Their mean age was 46.4 years (19 to 83) and the mean follow-up was16.0 months (6 to 80).

A total of 27 patients (14.5%) developed arthrofibrosis requiring a further intervention. Using multivariate regression analysis, the use of a provisional external fixator (odds ratio (OR) 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 17.7, p = 0.021) was significantly associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Similarly, the use of a continuous passive movement (CPM) machine was associated with significantly less development of arthrofibrosis (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.83, p = 0.024). The effect of time in an external fixator was found to be significant, with each extra day of external fixation increasing the odds of requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) or quadricepsplasty by 10% (OR = 1.10, p = 0.030). High-energy fracture, surgical approach, infection and use of tobacco were not associated with the development of arthrofibrosis. Patients with a successful MUA had significantly less time to MUA (mean 2.9 months; sd 1.25) than those with an unsuccessful MUA (mean 4.86 months; sd 2.61, p = 0.014). For those with limited movement, therefore, performing an MUA within three months of the injury may result in a better range of movement.

Based our results, CPM following operative fixation for a fracture of the tibial plateau may reduce the risk of the development of arthrofibrosis, particularly in patients who also undergo prolonged provisional external fixation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:109–14.

Introduction and Objective

Joint malleolar fractures have been estimated around 9% of all fractures. They are characterized by different both early and late complications. Among the latter, arthrofibrosis and early secondary arthrosis represent the two most common ones. Moreover, these two complications could be considered related to each other. Their real cause is still under investigation, even if residual post-operative hematoma and acute post-traumatic synovitis appear to be the most accredited. Supporting this hypothesis, joint debridement and the evacuation of the post-operative hematoma could represent a possible solution. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the role of arthroscopic lavage and debridement during internal fixation in order to prevent late joint complications.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether internal malrotation of the femoral component is associated with arthroþbrosis in TKA. We hypothesized arthroþbrosis may be triggered by a combination of nonphysiological kinematics (femoral component internal rotation) and a tight medial compartment. Methods: From a consecutive cohort of 3058 mobile bearing TKA forty-four (1.4%) cases were diagnosed as having arthroþbrosis, of which thirty-eight (86%) cases could be recruited. Thirty-eight patients with a well functioning TKA served as matched controls. Evaluation included CT investigation to determine femoral component rotation with reference to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results: Femoral components in the AF group were signiþcantly (p< 0.00001) internally mal-rotated by a mean of 4.7 degrees ranging from ten degrees internal rotation (IR) to one degree external rotation (ER). Mean femoral rotational in the control group was parallel (0.3 degrees IR) to the TEA (six degrees IR to four degrees ER). Arthroþbrosis was not associated with age, gender, body-mass-index, or preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions: There is a highly signiþcant association between arthroþbrosis in TKA and internal mal-rotation of the femoral component. On the base of these results it was hypothesized that non-physiological kinematics in TKA with mal-aligned femoral components inßuence and/or trigger arthroþbrosis in TKA. In TKA with arthroþbrosis, we now consider femoral CT evaluation with the view to surgically rebalancing the ßexion gap and realigning the femoral component, when internal mal-rotation is conþrmed.

Aims

Outcomes of current operative treatments for arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are not consistently positive or predictable. Pharmacological in vivo studies have focused mostly on prevention of arthrofibrosis. This study used a rabbit model to evaluate intra-articular (IA) effects of celecoxib in treating contracted knees alone, or in combination with capsular release.

Background

With the projected 673% increase in total knee arthroplasties (TKA) through the year 2030 in the United States alone, arthrofibrosis will become one of the more commonly encountered challenges in orthopaedic surgery.

We aimed to investigate the effect of Seprafilm®, a synthetic biomembran, on the intra-articular adhesion formation in an experimental arthrofibrosis model.

Twenty male white rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups of 10 animals in each. A standard surgical procedure aiming at the development of arthrofibrosis and including medial parapatellar arthrotomy, lateral eversion of the patella, partial synovectomy and debridement of anterior of supracondylar area and patella joint surface by scalpel was performed on all rabbits' right knees. Group 1 rabbits served as controls, and in Group 2 rabbits a Seprafilm®, barrier placed into the described area. In both groups, after surgery, knee joint was immobilized by a no.5 wire suture passing from the ankle and groin and keeping the joint in 140° of flexion. At 6th week, all animals were sacrificed and adhesion formation was evaluated both macroscopically and histo-pathologically. All data were semi-quantified and analyzed statistically by Fisher's exact test.

While all rabbits in control group displayed different rates of adhesion macroscopically (62.5% severe, 25% moderate, 12.5% mild), none in the study group had it. The average macroscopic adhesion score was 2.5 ± 0.75 in control group, and 0 in Seprafilm® group. Histopathologic evaluation also revealed microscopic adhesion in all rabbits in control group, but none in Seprafilm® group. Fibroblast proliferation in Seprafilm® group (100% mild) was significantly lower than in control group (62.5% severe, 37.5% moderate) (p<0.05).

In conclusion, use of Seprafilm® as a mechanical barrier may be of value against the formation of arthrofibrosis in risky knees such as septic and traumatic ones.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate a new home medical stretching device called the Self Treatment Assisted Knee (STAK) tool to treat knee arthrofibrosis.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine whether the administration of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents affect the proliferation, viability, and expression of markers involved in the fibrotic development of the fibroblasts obtained from arthrofibrotic tissue in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of the agents on arthrofibrosis prevention in vivo.

Objectives

Sustained intra-articular delivery of pharmacological agents is an attractive modality but requires use of a safe carrier that would not induce cartilage damage or fibrosis. Collagen scaffolds are widely available and could be used intra-articularly, but no investigation has looked at the safety of collagen scaffolds within synovial joints. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of collagen scaffold implantation in a validated in vivo animal model of knee arthrofibrosis.