Arthroscopic arthrolysis for the treatment of stiffness after total knee replacement gives moderate improvements in range of motion and functional knee scores.

Twenty-two total knee replacements (TKR's) were treated for stiffness with arthroscopy and arthrolysis. The median follow-up was 38 months. No patients were lost to follow up. Extensive scarring was found and debrided in all of the knees. The mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 42.6 (+/-7.5) to 36.3 (+/-8.5) (P < 0.05) with TKR and from 36.3 (+/-8.5) to 29.3 (+/-9.0) (P < 0.05) with arthroscopic arthrolysis. The mean arc of motion improved from 8-69 degrees post-TKR to 3-105 degrees on table, but declined slightly to 4-93 degrees (P < 0.05) at most recent review. Arthroscopic arthrolysis compares well with other methods of treatment for stiffness with regard to improvements in range of motion and functional knee scores.