Knee Stiffness

Knee Stiffness

Knee stiffness is common as a result of arthritis, infection or injury. Various operations done on knee may also result in stiffness. Knee stiffness occurs due to the formation of excessive scar tissue (a mesh of rubber band like structures) or due to thickening of the knee capsule. It may also occur due to mechanical block caused by a displaced piece of bone.

How is the stiffness treated?

Best is not to let stiffness happen by regular knee movement. Once the stiffnessbegins to happen, early in the course, knee can be mobilized under short anaesthesia. In longstanding the cases, arthroscopic surgery is required. Postsurgery rehabilitation is critical for good result.

What is a stiff knee?

This refers to a knee that cannot be bent or straightened fully.

Why does it occur?

This could occur subsequent to a fracture, infection or surgery done on the knee.

What are the types?

Stiffness can be intraarticular that is due to factors inside the joint or extraarticular, that is due to muscles and tissues around the joint or a combination of both.

How can it be prevented?

It can be prevented by early mobilization and precautions to avoid infections.

How is it treated?

Prevention is the dictim. However in the setting of a stiff knee release is done arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) or by open surgery

What is the rehabilitation?

Early mobilization with supervised physiotherapy.

Stiff knee before surgery

Knee bending after surgery