Abstract
Effectiveness of a Manipulation Under Anesthesia on Range of Motion for a Post Surgical Patient with a "Stiff Knee": Retrospective Case Study Background and Purpose. This study provides a detailed, in-depth description of a post-surgical patient with arthrofibrosis of the right knee who underwent multiple manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) procedures following a traumatic automobile accident. Case Description. A 32 year old male, suffered a traumatic automobile accident in which he sustained multiple soft tissue injuries and closed femur and tibial fractures at the right knee. Four weeks after his surgeries consisting of an intramedullary nailing of the comminuted right femur fracture, arthrotomy, meniscal repair, incision and drainage for infection, and an open reduction internal fixation of a tibial plateau fracture, he began physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion (ROM) of his right knee, and functional independence. This patient had multiple complications such as infections and an overabundance of the formation of scar tissue which significantly restricted ROM, requiring multiple MUAs throughout his course of recovery. Outcomes. The patient had a very successful outcome despite the multiple complications. ROM goals were eventually achieved and maintained and the patient was able to return to the normal activities he once participated in. Manipulations under anesthesia prove to be a useful tool in the rehabilitation of an arthrofibrotic joint following multiple trauma to that joint.