ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PERIPATELLAR FIBROSIS AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Forty-eight total knee arthroplasties (42 patients) were treated arthr oscopically for symptomatic peripatellar fibrosis. All patients compla ined of knee pain before surgery. In addition, 47 knees (98%) had clic king or dunking, 35 (73%) had difficulty climbing stairs, and 9 (19%) had motion problems. The results of arthroscopy were 20 good (42%), 9 fair (19%), and 19 poor (40%). The mean follow-up time was 32.8 months (range, 11-75 months). A fourth portal was required in 20 knees (17 p atients, 42%), indicating the complexity and difficulty of debridement . No components were found to be loose at the time of arthroscopy. A c onstellation of symptoms are caused by peripatellar fibrosis. In contr ast to past reports, the arthroscopic treatment of peripatellar fibros is was found to be unpredictable. Debridement of the offending soft ti ssue did not necessarily guarantee a good result. Arthroscopic managem ent of peripatellar fibrosis is recommended; however, limited and spec ific surgical goals should be established prior to intervention.