Treatment of Knee Arthrofibrosis and Quadriceps Insufficiency after Patellar Tendon Repair: A Case Report Including Use of the Graston Technique

  • Douglass W. Black, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC Duke Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy
Keywords: Rehabilitation of contracture, therapy of joint diseases, manual therapies, musculoskeletal manipulations, tissue adhesions, rehabilitation of postoperative complications, patellar tendon

Abstract

Arthrofibrosis of the knee is a surgical complication that can limit range of motion, inhibit muscle activity, and decrease patient function. Optimal conservative treatment has not been well established in the literature, leaving a clinician with limited evidence for treatment planning. Described here is part of the rehabilitative course of care for a patient with arthrofibrotic limitations after a mid-substance patellar tendon repair with augmentation. Marked limitations in knee flexion range of motion and quadriceps activity were addressed using the Graston Technique to deal with soft-tissue adhesions; traditional physical therapy care was also provided. Clear improvement in range of motion and quadriceps activity and function was noted over the course of 5 treatments during 1 month. Treatment process and clinical reasoning are offered to promote understanding and to facilitate future inquiry.

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Published
2010-06-15
How to Cite
Black, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, D. W. (2010). Treatment of Knee Arthrofibrosis and Quadriceps Insufficiency after Patellar Tendon Repair: A Case Report Including Use of the Graston Technique. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Research Education &Amp; Practice, 3(2), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v3i2.79
Section
Practice