Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

The ACL-Deficient Knee pp 373–381Cite as

Limitation of Joint Range of Motion After Surgery of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 2178 Accesses

Abstract

Limitations of range of motion recovery after ACL reconstruction are not exceptional. They are even more severe with longer follow-up. Pain, quadriceps insufficiency, and sometimes, inflammatory syndrome are part of these problems. To minimize this risk, it is firstly important to recover preoperative full range of motion. Positioning of the graft must be perfect intraoperatively, and it is important to have an effective and painless rehabilitation postoperatively.

If, despite these precautions, there is a delay in the range of motion recovery, what to do is not always simple. From arthroscopic anterior release to a more aggressive open surgery with posterior capsular release, it is also important to discuss the good timing for the surgery.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Aglietti P, Buzzi R, De Felice R, Paolini G, Zaccherotti G. Results of surgical treatment of arthrofibrosis after ACL reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1995;3(2):83–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Biau DJ, Tournoux C, Kasahian S, Schranz PJ, Nizard RS. ACL reconstruction: a meta-analysis of functional scores. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007;458:180–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Burwell JMR, Davies AJ, Allum RL. Anterior knee symptoms after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using patellar tendon as a graft. Knee. 1998;5:245–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Caton J, Deschamps G, Chambat P, Lerat JL, Dejour H. Les rotules basses a propos de 128 observations. Rev Chir Orthop. 1982;68:317–25.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Cosgarea AJ, Sebastanelli WJ, De Haven KE. Prevention of arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the central third patellar tendon autograft. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23(1):87–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Dandy DJ, Edwards DJ. Problems in regaining full extension of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: does arthrofibrosis exist? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1994;2(2):76–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Dowd GS, Hussein R, Khanduja V, Ordman A. Complex regional pain syndrome with special emphasis on the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2007;89:285–90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Fisher SE, Shelbourne KD. Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic extension block complicating anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1993;21(4):558–64.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Freedman KB, D’Amato MJ, Nedeff DD, Kaz A, Bach BR. Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a metaanalysis comparing patellar tendon and hamstring tendon autografts. Am J Sports Med. 2003;31(1):2–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Gillepsie MJ, Friedland J, De Haven K. Arthrofibrosis: etiology, classification, histopathology, and treatment. Oper Tech Sports Med. 1998;6(2):102–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Goldblatt JP, Fitzsimmons SE, Balk E, Richmond JC. Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: meta-analysis of patellar tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(7):791–803.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Harner CD, Irrgang JJ, Paul J, Dearwater S, Fu FH. Loss of motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1992;20(5):499–506.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Hasan SS, Saleem A, Bach BR, Bush-Joseph CA, Bojchuck J. Results of arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic loss of extension following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2000;13(4):201–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Isberg J, Faxén E, Brandsson S, Erikson BI, Kärrholm J, Karlsson J. Early active extension after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction does not result in increased laxity of the knee. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006;14(11):1108–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Jackson DW, Schaefer RK. Cyclops syndrome: loss of extension following intra articular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 1990;6:171–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Majors RA, Woodfin B. Achieving full range of motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1996;24(3):350–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Mayr HO, Weig TG, Plitz W. Arthrofibrosis following ACL reconstruction-reasons and outcome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2004;124(8):518–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Mohtadi NG, Webster-bogaert S, Fowler PJ. Limitation of motion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A case control study. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19(6):620–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Muellner T, Kdolsky R, Groosschmidt K, Schabus R, Kwasny O, Plenk H. Cyclops and cyclopoid ­formation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: clinical and histomorphological differences. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1999;7(5):284–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Paulos LE, Rosenberg TD, Drawbert J, Manning J, Abott P. Infrapatellar contracture syndrome. An unrecognized cause of knee stiffness with patella entrapment and patella infera. Am J Sports Med. 1987;15:331–41.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Quelard B, Sonnery Cottet B, Zayani R, Ogassawa R, Prost T, Chambat P. Preoperative factors correlating with prolonged range of motion deficit after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2010;18(6):392–5.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Reider B, Belniak RM, Preiskorn D. Arthroscopic arthrolysis for flexion contracture following intraarticular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Arthroscopy. 1996;12(2):165–73.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Robertson GAJ, Coleman SGS, Keating JF. Knee stiffness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The incidence and associated factors of stiffness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee. 2009;16:245–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Sachs RA, Daniel DM, Stone ML, Garfein RF. Patellofemoral problems after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1989;17:760–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Shelbourne KD, Patel DV, Martini DJ. Classification and management of arthrofibrosis of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1996;24:857–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Shelbourne KD, Patel DV. Treatment of limited motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1999;7(2):85–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Schelbourne KD, Wilckens JH, Mollabashy A, De Carlo M. Arthrofibrosis in acute anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The effect of timing of reconstruction and rehabilitation. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19(4):332–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Schutzer SF, Gossling HR. The treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1984;66:625–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sonnery-Cottet B, Archbold P, Bortoletto J, Thaunat M, Prost T, Chambat P. Prevalence of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction among professional athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(11):2371–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Sonnery-Cottet B, Lavoie F, Ogasawara H, Scussiato RG, Kidder JF, Chambat P. Clinical and operative characteristics of Cyclops syndrome after double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2010;26(11):1483–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Sterett WI, Hutton KS, Briggs KK, Steadman JR. Decreased range of motion following acute versus chronic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Orthopedics. 2003;26(2):151–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Tayot O, Ait Si Selmi T, Dejour D. A retrospective analysis of 62 arthrolysis performed for knee stiffness after grafts of the anterior cruciate ligament. 70ème réunion annuelle de la Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, Paris; 7–10 Nov 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Trojani C, Coste JS, Michiels JF, Boileau P. Le syndrome du cyclope, un problème déjà présent avant la reconstruction arthroscopique du ligament croisé antérieur. J Trauma Sport. 2003;20:76–82.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Yunes M, Richmond JC, Engels EA, Pinczewski LA. Patellar versus hamstring tendons in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a meta-analysis. Arthroscopy. 2001;17(3):706–14.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of orthopaedic surgery, Centre Orthopédique Santy, 24 avenue Paul Santy, 69008, Lyon, France

    Pierre Chambat M.D., Jean-Marie Fayard M.D. & Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet M.D.

  2. Department of orthopaedic surgery, Orthopaedic and Sports Medecine Clinic, 269 W. Broadway, 3129, Jackson Hole, WY, 83001, USA

    Christian Guier M.D.

Authors
  1. Pierre Chambat M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christian Guier M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jean-Marie Fayard M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pierre Chambat M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Depto. Cirugia Ortopédica, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, c/San Clemente 12, Valencia, 46015, Spain

    Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso

  2. , Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital de Sant Pau, St Antoni m Claret 167, Barcelona, 08025, Spain

    Joan Carles Monllau

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Chambat, P., Guier, C., Fayard, JM., Sonnery-Cottet, B. (2013). Limitation of Joint Range of Motion After Surgery of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. In: Sanchis-Alfonso, V., Monllau, J. (eds) The ACL-Deficient Knee. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4270-6_31

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4270-6_31

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4269-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4270-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation