What is Knee Arthrofibrosis?

Knee arthrofibrosis is a condition where too much scar tissue builds up inside the knee joint. This extra scar tissue can make your knee feel stiff and less flexible. It can also stop the knee from moving smoothly.

What Causes Knee Arthrofibrosis?

Several things can cause knee arthrofibrosis, including:

• Injuries or trauma
• Knee surgeries (like ACL surgery or knee replacements)
• Keeping the knee still for a long time (avoid putting a pillow behind the knee after injuries!)
• Infections or inflammation

People who have had knee surgeries or serious knee injuries are more likely to develop this condition.

Symptoms of Knee Arthrofibrosis

• Pain in the knee
• Swelling
• Difficulty bending or straightening your knee
• Difficulty walking or doing physical activities

How is Knee Arthrofibrosis Diagnosed?

To diagnose knee arthrofibrosis, a doctor will:

1. Review your medical history, especially any past knee surgeries or injuries.
2. Do a physical exam to check your knee’s range of motion, look for swelling, and feel for any tenderness or unusual sounds (like grinding).
3. Observe how you walk to spot any movement problems.
4. Imaging such as X-rays and MRI may also be helpful