What is fibrous tissue in the knee?

Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones. In the knee and other joints, they absorb pressure from twisting, impact, and other potentially harmful movements to ensure the bones stay in place. There are four major ligaments of the knee. Two are located outside the knee joint capsule.

How do you fix arthrofibrosis of the knee?

Treatment for arthrofibrosis may initially include non-operative measures such as: rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. For more severe cases, orthopedic knee surgery may be needed. Your physician will use an arthroscopic method to treat arthrofibrosis.

How is arthrofibrosis treated without surgery?

Treatment. The first treatment for arthrofibrosis is rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and swelling. You’ll likely be advised to start gentle range-of-motion exercises to increase flexibility. You may also be referred to physical therapy to improve your use of the joint.

Can arthrofibrosis be cured?

Milder forms of arthrofibrosis can successfully be treated with rehabilitation only. Physical therapy often decreases pain and improves function enough that surgery isn’t necessary. If surgery is necessary, the physical therapy helps ensure a better result and a faster recovery.

How common is arthrofibrosis of the knee?

Abstract. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures that alleviates pain and restores function in patients with degenerative knee joint diseases. Arthrofibrosis, abnormal scarring in which dense fibrous tissue prevents normal range of motion, develops in ~3–10% of TKA patients.

Does arthrofibrosis worsen?

Symptoms. Symptoms begin gradually and worsen as the knee is moved less and less due to pain following a trauma, complication of poor joint mobilization with physical therapy or non-compliance with a home exercise program following surgical management.

How long does it take to recover from arthrofibrosis?

With walking and leg strengthening exercises, most people regain normal use of their knee within four to six weeks. The swelling, pain, and limited motion ceases three to four months after the surgery.

What does scar tissue in the knee feel like?

Scar tissue forms after an injury, and it can develop on the skin’s surface or inside the body. For some people, scar tissue may cause pain, tightness, itching, or difficulty moving. Due to the way that scar tissue matures over time, these symptoms may occur years after an injury.

Can arthrofibrosis be permanent?

A patient is said to have arthrofibrosis when the limitation in knee joint ROM becomes permanent despite conservative treatments. A common cause of arthrofibrosis is improper rehabilitation or surgery for ACL reconstruction, but it can also occur after other intra-articular knee surgeries or knee injuries.

Who treats arthrofibrosis?

Treatment of knee arthrofibrosis is critical and must be performed by an orthopedic surgeon trained in diagnosing and treating the exact cause of the condition.

Does scar tissue show up on xray?

The x-ray is the oldest and still one of the most widely used medical imaging modalities. Providing a clear view of solid structures in the body as well as scar tissue or masses in hollow cavities, the x-ray is incredibly useful.

How do you know if you have scar tissue in your knee?

As you recover from an injury or knee surgery, the pain will decrease over time. If it gets worse, it may be a sign of excess scar tissue. Knee Bending. Walking with a bent knee, or the inability to contract your quadricep muscles to straighten your knee, could be a sign that you’re developing arthrofibrosis.

What is intra-articular fibrosis of the knee?

Intra-articular fibrosis can occur elsewhere within the knee and may be associated with loss of flexion and/or extension depending on the location. Adhesions in the suprapatellar bursa can form between the capsular elements of the bursa and the medial or lateral gutters.

What is arthrofibrosis of the knee?

Arthrofibrosis of the knee technically means that there is decreased motion of the knee due to scar tissue. This can be due to many causes, the most commonly being after an injury and after surgery.

What are the soft tissues of the knee joint called?

Tendons, Ligaments, and Other Soft Tissues of the Knee Joint. The patellar tendon. This tendon (also called patellar ligament) attaches the bottom part of the patella to the top part of the tibia. A synovial membrane. All of the joints in the body are surrounded by a balloon that holds the joint fluid in.

What causes arthrofibrotic lesions on the knee after ACL reconstruction?

Other factors that can lead to knee stiffness and restriction in motion after ACL reconstruction may also play a role in the development of arthrofibrotic lesions and include suboptimal femoral or tibial tunnel placement and an overtensioned ACL graft. 2