Arthroscopically induced posterior capsular fibrosis to correct symptomatic hyperextension of the knee.

We present a technical note on 2 patients with post-traumatic symptomatic hyperextension of the knee treated with a new arthroscopic technique. Both patients were of similar ages with similar injuries resulting in an excess of hyperextension at the knee with resulting instability and pain. Both patients had not improved with a variety of nonoperative measures and 1 attempt each at simple arthroscopic debridement of the damaged tissue. Our technique involves carefully scarring the damaged posterior capsule arthroscopically, followed by extension block bracing for 12 weeks. In 2 patients who had not improved with previously described techniques, we achieved a correction of the excess hyperextension with resulting improvement in their symptoms. Two years after surgery, both patients had significantly improved Lysholm and Tegner activity scores and had returned to work. We believe this technique to be reliable and reproducible. Copyright 2010 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.