Management of the Knee Extension Deficit after Acute Trauma

Thiago Alvim Do Amaral,David Sadigursky

doi:10.1155/2018/5906109

Abstract

A 25-year-old man initially presented with right knee extension deficit after an acute trauma, caused by a condition known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition. This should not be confused with a mechanical block caused by intra-articular pathology. The loss of knee extension, even if minimal, is disabling and leads to worse results after knee surgical treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize and diagnose arthrogenic muscle inhibition to ensure the best treatment for patients with this condition. In this case report, the patient was managed with a rehabilitation technique resulting in an effective functional gain of the quadriceps and full restoration of knee extension.

Highlights

Knee extension deficit after acute trauma is a painful and debilitating orthopedic condition
More recently, some reports have suggested that the extension deficit may be due to a process known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) [2]
Knee extension deficit is a relatively common presentation in patients suffering from acute knee trauma

Summary

Introduction

Knee extension deficit after acute trauma is a painful and debilitating orthopedic condition It usually results from a mechanical block caused by an intra-articular pathology [1]. The exact pathophysiology is not clearly understood but is believed that some factors such as swelling and inflammation caused by an acute knee trauma can lead to changes in the discharges of sensory receptors. These mechanisms may alter afferent signals sent to the nervous system, thereby causing an involuntary hamstring contracture with a selective quadricipital shutdown [2]. The purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of correct diagnosis and adequate management of AMI to avoid long-term disability caused by this dysfunction

Case Report

Findings

Discussion