Case Report

Dynamic splinting for knee flexion contracture following total knee arthroplasty: a case report

Eric Finger¹ and F Buck Willis^2,3

¹  Physical Therapy, Sports medicine, Seton Southwest Hospital, Austin Texas, USA

²  Health Physical Education, Recreation. Texas State University, San Marcos Texas, USA

³  Clinical Research, Dynasplint Systems, Inc., Severna Park, Maryland, USA

Cases Journal 2008, 1:421doi:10.1186/1757-1626-1-421

Published:	29 December 2008

Abstract

Total Knee Arthroplasty operations are increasing in frequency, and knee flexion contracture is a common pathology, both pre-existing and post-operative. A 61-year-old male presented with knee flexion contracture following a total knee arthroplasty. Physical therapy alone did not fully reduce the contracture and dynamic splinting was then prescribed for daily low-load, prolonged-duration stretch. After 28 physical therapy sessions, the active range of motion improved from -20° to -12° (stiff knee still lacking full extension), and after eight additional weeks with nightly wear of dynamic splint, the patient regained full knee extension, (active extension improved from -12° to 0°).