Arthrogene Muskelinhibition (AMI)

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is characterized by pronounced activation deficits and loss of muscle in the quadriceps. The genesis is multifactorial. The peak of AMI manifests in the acute phase after trauma or surgery, with a postoperative reduction in muscle activity over several days and weeks. Bilateral AMI can occur after unilateral trauma, which suggests a supraspinal component. Early assessment of the ability to control the quadriceps muscle plays an important role in the prognosis of AMI. The postoperative course should be monitored regularly to initiate further diagnostics and targeted interventions if necessary. Therapeutic options range from cryotherapy, blood flow restriction (BFR) training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and ultrasound in the acute phase to advanced techniques such as motor imagery training and eccentric training or the use of virtual reality.