Novel protocol for knee mobilization under femoral and sciatic nerve blocks for postoperative knee stiffness

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent femoral and sciatic nerve blocks combined with an in-house physiotherapy protocol for treating postoperative knee stiffness. Sixty-eight patients with postoperative knee stiffness were evaluated for passive knee flexion and extension at different time points, beginning preoperatively and continuing throughout a median 10-month follow-up after mobilization intervention. Sciatic and femoral nerve catheters were activated 1 hour prior to each physiotherapy session, which was performed twice per day and supported by a continuous passive range of motion machine. Median time from admission to catheter removal was 4 days (range, 1-8 days). Mean hospital length of stay was 7 days (range, 2-19 days). Overall mean flexion increased significantly from pretreatment (74°) to discharge (109°; P<.01). There was no significant difference in mean flexion at 6-week follow-up compared with that at discharge (108°; P=.764), but there was a significant increase in flexion at final follow-up (120°; P=.002). Overall mean knee extension lag decreased significantly from pretreatment (5°) to discharge (0.4°; P=.001). There was no significant increase in mean extension lag from discharge to final follow-up (1°; P=.2). Overall, 11 patients underwent revision surgery for persistent stiffness. This novel protocol for continuous knee mobilization under perineural blocks is a valuable alternative to knee manipulation under anesthesia for this select group of procedures. The 2 techniques produced a similar early range of motion gain, but the reported protocol resulted in less range of motion loss at follow-up and fewer possible complications