It’s especially common in the knee.
Arthrofibrosis can be debilitating, limiting yourrange of motionand causingsubstantial pain.
Conservative treatments like rest, pain medication, and exercises are usually tried first.
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If they don’t help, surgery may be needed to remove the excess scar tissue.
The condition is due to inflammation and the creation of excess of scar tissue.
According to a 2019 study, that may be due to a disruption in the healing process.
Scar tissue is dense and fibrous.
When it forms in abundance, it can bind down the joint and prevent the normalrange of motion.
The process also can cause your muscles and connective tissues to shorten and harden (called contractures.)
They’ll also look at your ability to flex your knee.
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.
Prevention
Preventing arthrofibrosis after surgery is best accomplished with early range of motion rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, arthrofibrosis can’t be cured right now.
Most cases resolve with conservative treatment, though, and newer, better treatments are in the works.
Arthrofibrosis can be very serious and cause pain plus significant limitations on your mobility and activity levels.
Early diagnosis and treatment can keep it from getting to that point.
Recovery time depends on the severity of your arthrofibrosis.
With a mild case and proper treatment, your symptoms may go away in a few weeks.
For more advanced cases, which may require surgery, it can take much longer.
Your healthcare provider can give you an estimate based on multiple factors.
in: Giangarra CE, Manske RC.
Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, A Team Approach.
Shelbourne Knee Center.Arthrofibrosis of the knee.
2021;42(5):398-415. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2021.02.007
