Knee Manipulation Under Anesthesia Complications (Lois’s Story)

An Interview with Lois Martano

The last thing she expected were knee Manipulation Under Anesthesia complications. In Lois’ case it was a patellar tendon tear. A lady with a great attitude and a fascinating life story this is Part 1 of a two part interview. We interviewed Lois right after her Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA.) And we will chat again after she completes her full recovery.

This is part of a long series of audio interviews that you can find in The Bee’s Knees Podcast. We present new research, interview with surgeons and physical therapists. We also present original articles to help anyone facing a knee surgery and recovery. To learn more and subscribe to the podcast click here. To listen to our interview with Lois right now click on the Play button above.

by Erik T. Newman MD along with other esteemed orthopedic surgeons.

Click here to read the study abstract.

TKA patients undergoing MUAs were younger, more likely to be current smokers. And more likely to have undergone prior knee surgery. Even in patients with severe initial postoperative limitations in range of motion. MUA within 6 weeks may allow for final outcomes that are equivalent to those experienced by similar patients not requiring manipulation.

by Georgios Mamarelis, Karadi Hari Sunil-Kumar, Vikas Khanduja

Click here to read the study abstract.

In conclusion, this study by Issa et al. reports that the outcome of MUA for arthrofibrosis after TKA is better if performed early. Certainly, comparing the studies in the literature with the current study, this is a well-designed study. With a large cohort of patients and the results obtained are therefore robust. We would therefore support the view that for patients who develop arthrofibrosis following a TKA, an early (<12 weeks) MUA should be the first line of management.

The MUA should only be performed after ensuring there is no technical flaw in the arthroplasty and that there is no evidence of infection and complex regional pain syndrome. Furthermore, despite doing the MUA early there is no clarity in the literature as to whether the gain in ROM is maintained over a period of time in these individuals. Finally, more studies need to be performed, preferably prospective, to define the best time to perform an MUA for arthrofibrosis following a TKA and assess its long-term outcome.

Call us if you are facing an MUA. Over the past seven years we have gained great expertise in both avoiding the MUA and recovery afterwards with the X10 Knee Recovery System™. Visit this page to help you determine if you can avoid an MUA with the X10. Learn more or just schedule a consultation to speak with one of our Recovery Coaches about your situation. Click here to schedule a 15 minute chat.

One final note. This MUA surprise has in no way discouraged Lois. She loves her surgeon and in no way would want to dissuade anyone who needs an MUA from going ahead with the procedure. It is one of “those things.”

This is a free 15-part email series that runs for 30 days. We give you a broad perspective on all aspects of knee health. And we are highly prescriptive on what you can do right now to solve a tough knee recovery. We explore surgery and recovery and such subjects as ‘Knee Manipulation Complications’.

Executive Editor: PJ Ewing (info@x10therapy.com)