Arthroscopic Arthrolysis After Total Knee Arthroplasty: When and How?

Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) still poses a challenge to knee surgeons. Reduced range of motion (ROM) is associated with functional impairments, decreased patient satisfaction, and a lower overall quality of life [1]. It is important when discussing stiffness to correctly identify the underlying cause of it. Most often, adhesions, known as arthrofibrosis, and bone impingement are to blame [2]. The incidence of arthrofibrosis after TKA varies from 8 to 60% in current literature [3]. The international consensus regarding the classification and definition of arthrofibrosis describes limitations in ROM as mild (90–100° of flexion or/and 5–10° of extension deficit), moderate (70–89° of flexion or/and 11–20° of extension deficit) or severe (<75° of flexion or/and >20° of extension deficit).