Arthrofibrosis Treatment Surgeon
Are you experiencing stiffness due to a past surgery or injury? If so, you may have developed arthrofibrosis. Arthrofibrosis surgery must be performed by a highly skilled orthopedic knee surgeon for optimum results. Arthrofibrosis treatment specialist, Dr. Mark Getelman provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Los Angeles who have developed knee arthrofibrosis. Contact Dr. Getelman’s team today!
Arthrofibrosis Surgery After a Knee Injury or Replacement
Arthrofibrosis of the knee is caused by excessive scar tissue and/or contractures from a past knee injury or surgery that leads to pain, stiffness and restriction of joint movement. Knee stiffness and some level of arthrofibrosis after knee replacement is one of the most common complaints from patients following surgery and can range from very slight restriction of ROM to profound stiffness with extensive scar tissue. Patients living in the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California communities suffering from knee arthrofibrosis can find relief with an arthrofibrosis surgery performed by Dr. Mark Getelman, orthopedic knee surgeon.
Arthrofibrosis surgery must be performed by a highly skilled orthopedic knee surgeon for optimum results. A specialist trained in arthrofibrosis is able to properly diagnose and treat the condition based on the most likely cause of arthrofibrosis of the knee. Dr. Getelman begins treatment by performing a thorough medical review and physical examination. He will review any past knee injuries and/or surgeries. The affected knee will be placed through a variety of tests aimed at inspecting the knee’s ability to flex and straighten. Dr. Getelman will also perform a series of X-rays and often an MRI scan or other advanced testing to look for the etiology and to confirm the diagnosis.
Dr. Getelman may initially recommend non-surgical treatment options such as bracing, physical therapy, injections and pain management. If medications and stretching exercises do not alleviate the symptoms of arthrofibrosis, arthrofibrosis surgery may be recommended.
Arthrofibrosis surgery has a unique approach for each patient depending on the cause of excessive scar tissue and the extent of scarring. Dr. Getelman uses an arthroscopic technique to view the inside of the joint and to identify the areas of scar tissue. In some cases, only a small amount of scar tissue removal is necessary to free up the knee joint. In other cases, a more extensive procedure may be needed with removal of bone spurs or a poorly placed graft  in additional to extensive scar release and removal to return proper knee function. If Dr. Getelman is forces to remove a graft, a second knee surgery will typically be required at another time to replace the graft once the ROM and joint function has been restored.
Arthrofibrosis Surgery Repair Protocols
After arthrofibrosis surgery, Dr. Getelman will prescribe a detailed physical therapy program. The program is critical to a full recovery. The chance of recurrent scarring after the procedure is small if physical therapy is performed and scar tissue is adequately resected. Physical therapy will begin the first day of surgery and will focus on regaining knee range of motion.
If you are suffering from arthrofibrosis after knee replacement, contact the Van Nuys and Westlake Village, California office of Dr. Mark Getelman, orthopedic knee surgeon, to discuss the benefits of arthrofibrosis surgery.