Knee Flexion Range-of-Motion Restriction Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Retrospective Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament tears are a commonly encountered orthopedic knee injury. Only a few studies focus on interventions to restore knee flexion range of motion. The purpose of this case report is to describe the restoration of motion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old man with a traumatic knee injury resulting in a right anterior cruciate ligament tear, joint effusion, decreased knee range of motion (ROM), and decreased strength managed conservatively for 3 months. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Restoration of knee flexion ROM was achieved at 16 weeks postoperatively utilizing targeted interventions intended to restore meniscal gliding. The patient maintained knee ROM at 8 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DISCUSSION: When a soft end-feel, posterior knee pain, and reduced flexion ROM are present, tibiofemoral joint mobilizations are a targeted intervention to improve meniscal gliding. The utilization of multimodal interventions assisted in the recovery of functional knee ROM and improved pain. JOSPT Cases 2023;3(3):202-205. Epub: 10 July 2023. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2023.11771