Transforming rehabilitation: A narrative review on reversible knee flexor contracture assistive devices

Abstract

Abstract: Joint contracture, marked by restricted joint movement due to connective tissue and muscle shortening, is a common complication in chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, healed septic joint, and postsurgical complications. This limitation adversely impacts joint mobility and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of physical constraints. Contractures elevate the risk of impaired self-care, limited physical mobility, and hindered social activities, emphasizing the critical need to manage such contractures. The study aims to find the most appropriate, effective, user-friendly mechanical device to treat reversible knee flexor contracture. Method of a literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) up to April 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised studies related to flexion contracture (FC), written in English languages were included. The literature searched using the terms “flexion contracture, hamstring contracture, knee flexor contracture, burn contracture, knee joint hypomobility, and devices for flexion contracture.” Result after applying the selection criteria, the initial screening of literature gives 35,400 results on Google Scholar, PubMed, and PEDro. Subsequently, 128 articles underwent screening based on abstract and full-text availability in the English language. Following this, seven articles were selected and thoroughly reviewed, which included randomized control trials, systematic reviews, and exploratory studies. The study concluded the use of conventional physiotherapy interventions, coupled with assistive devices, diminishes the burden on physiotherapists and provides effective improvements to patients with FCs.