Static progressive stretch orthoses

Summary

Postoperative knee stiffness and arthrofibrosis are common complications following knee surgeries. There is currently a range of conservative and surgical options for this such as physiotherapy and manipulation under anaesthesia. Static progressive stretch (SPS) orthoses are devices worn around the knee that patients continually adjust to pain-free positions of end-range stretch over a 30-minute session. It is proposed that SPS orthoses could reduce the need for surgical interventions, lead to shorter rehabilitation times, reduce the number of outpatient sessions required, and are suitable for home-based rehabilitation.

Health Technology Wales researchers searched for evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of SPS orthoses for postoperative knee stiffness and arthrofibrosis.

Based on the evidence identified, HTW’s Assessment Group concluded not to progress this topic to evidence appraisal.