Arthrofibrosis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Bone-patellar Tendon-bone Autograft: Report of 4 Cases

Arthrofibrosis of the knee joint is a known serious complication of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.(superscript 1-7) Incidence in the literature ranges from 4 to 23%.1 there are two forms of arthrofibrosis, the global form and the localized form.(superscript 2-3, 7) the most effective treatment for arthrofibrosis is by identifying the risk factors and preventing them from occurring.(superscript 1, 6, 8) However, if arthrofibrosis does appear, restoration of full motions of the knee joint becomes the utmost important goal. If arthrofibrosis is recognized in its early stage, manipulation under anesthesia followed with intensive rehabilitation could be successful. Surgery is needed in established arthrofibrosis. Four cases of arthrofibrosis, 2 global and 2 local forms, following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft are presented in this report.