Motion loss after ligament injuries to the knee - Part I: Causes

Motion loss continues to be a difficult complication after ligament injury and surgery to the knee. A better understanding of the pathoanatomic causes of motion loss can lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies. W hen motion loss does occur, early recognition and appropriate treatment can be expected to restore motion and improve function in most patients. Treat ment options, although varied, should improve outcome when implemented appr opriately. This article is composed of two parts. The first part reviews th e current concepts on definitions, incidence, and causes of motion loss. In the second part, to be published later, current strategies on prevention a nd treatment of motion loss after ligament injury to the knee are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on risk factors and prevention as well as on diagnosis and treatment. The article summarizes the latest information from the basic sciences as well as clinical studies on the problem of motion loss of the knee and attempts to provide a rational approach to these difficult clinica l problems.