The STAK tool: evaluation of a new device to treat arthrofibrosis and poor range of movement following total knee arthroplasty and major knee surgery

Sara K Aspinall; Patrick C Wheeler; Steven P Godsiff; Sue M Hignett; Daniel T P Fong

doi:10.1302/2633-1462.18.BJO-2020-0096

The STAK tool: evaluation of a new device to treat arthrofibrosis and poor range of movement following total knee arthroplasty and major knee surgery

Bone Jt Open. 2020 Aug 1;1(8):465-473. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.18.BJO-2020-0096. eCollection 2020 Aug.

Authors

Sara K Aspinall¹, Patrick C Wheeler², Steven P Godsiff³, Sue M Hignett⁴, Daniel T P Fong¹

Affiliations

¹ National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
² Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
³ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
⁴ Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate a new home medical stretching device called the Self Treatment Assisted Knee (STAK) tool to treat knee arthrofibrosis.

Methods: 35 patients post-major knee surgery with arthrofibrosis and mean range of movement (ROM) of 68° were recruited. Both the STAK intervention and control group received standard physiotherapy for eight weeks, with the intervention group additionally using the STAK at home. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were collected at all timepoints. An acceptability and home exercise questionnaire capturing adherence was recorded after each of the interventions.

Results: Compared to the control group, the STAK intervention group made significant gains in mean ROM (30° versus 8°, p < 0.0005), WOMAC (19 points versus 3, p < 0.0005), and OKS (8 points versus 3, p < 0.0005). The improvements in the STAK group were maintained at long-term follow-up. No patients suffered any complications relating to the STAK, and 96% of patients found the STAK tool 'perfectly acceptable'.

Conclusion: The STAK tool is effective in increasing ROM and reducing pain and stiffness. Patients find it acceptable and adherence to treatment was high. This study indicates that the STAK tool would be of benefit in clinical practice and may offer a new, cost-effective treatment for arthrofibrosis.Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:465-473.

Keywords: Arthrofibrosis; Home treatment; Knee arthroplasty; Medical stretching device; Range of movement.