Impact of Static Progressive Stretch on Range of Motion After Total Knee Replacement in Patients with Haemophilia

Abstract

Background: Haemophilic arthropathy is often associated with a loss of range of motion. Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy of the knee. However, even after arthroplasty, the range of motion sometimes remains insufficient.
Objective: To evaluate static progressive stretch as a treatment method for haemophilic patients with decreased range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.
Methods: Static progressive stretch was used to improve range of motion in patients with a postoperative extension lag of more than 10° and flexion of less than 80°. A total of 7 knees were treated for a mean of 21.7 weeks.
Results: Statistically significant increases in range of motion and in Knee Society Score were observed when comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment values.
Conclusions: Static progressive stretch using an orthotic device could be a successful adjuvant method for treating joint stiffness in patients with haemophilia after total knee arthroplasty.

LAY ABSTRACT
Haemophilic arthropathy often results in loss of range of motion. Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy of the knee. However, despite arthroplasty, the range of motion is sometimes insufficient. Static progressive stretch using special knee orthoses is an adjunct technique to traditional physiotherapy, intending to restore functional range of motion and decrease knee stiffness and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate static progressive stretch as a treatment method for hemophilia patients with decreased range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.