#THIRDTHURSDAY: Understanding Arthrofibrosis and Its Clinical Implications (May 2023)

Arthrofibrosis, also known as joint contracture, is a pathological wound healing disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of connective tissue in and around a joint, resulting in severe pain, marked loss of joint mobility, and diminished functional independence in daily life. It is most prevalent in the hip, elbow, and knee following exposure to physical trauma such as surgery, prolonged period of immobilization, or infection. In the shoulder, it typically occurs idiopathically and is known as adhesive capsulitis. In some cases, the disease may become permanent and, in rare instances, can result in amputation of the affected limb. Physical therapists are often the first members of the healthcare team to encounter an individual struggling with arthrofibrosis. Thus, early identification of the disease and proper clinical management are integral in preventing and/or minimizing its potential deleterious effects on an individual’s daily function and overall quality of life.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY lecture will be a joint presentation, given by a physical therapist experienced in treating individuals with arthrofibrosis alongside a leading scientific researcher in the field. Arthrofibrosis and its clinical implications for the treating clinician will be discussed in detail and include a specific emphasis on arthrofibrosis of the knee following surgical intervention (e.g., s/p ACLR, TKA, meniscectomy). A current scientific understanding of arthrofibrosis and its pathological mechanisms will be presented first, followed by the presentation of common clinical markers for its early recognition in the clinic. Proposed best physical therapy practices when treating individuals struggling with arthrofibrosis will also be presented accompanied by relevant case studies. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session amongst the presenters and lecture attendees.

Dr. Nathan Brimm, PT, DPT & Dr. Kayley Usher, PhD shares their insight and expertise on "Understanding Arthrofibrosis and Its Clinical Implications."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the difference between arthrofibrosis and chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Understand the pathology of arthrofibrosis
• Identify clinical features of acute and chronic arthrofibrosis of the knee
• Identify the anatomic structure in the knee primarily involved in arthrofibrosis
• Evaluate appropriate physical therapy interventions for treating individuals struggling with arthrofibrosis
• Discover alternative interventions and resources outside of physical therapy practice for individuals struggling with arthrofibrosis

About the Speakers: 

Dr. Nathan Brimm, PT, DPT works as a physical therapist in the Outpatient Rehabilitation department at Weiss Memorial Hospital located in Chicago’s North Side. Nathan received his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Over the past several years, Nathan has come in contact with countless individuals struggling with arthrofibrosis, especially following orthopedic surgeries such as ACL reconstruction and revision total knee arthroplasty. It is from these experiences that Nathan has sought to learn more about arthrofibrosis and its harmful effects in order to best optimize long-term clinical outcome of individuals suffering from this unyielding disease.

 

Dr. Kayley Usher, PhD received her PhD from the University of Western Australia and is an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Western Australia. Kayley has a research background in immunology and microbiology, and her journey with arthrofibrosis began after a total knee replacement. Her experience of the “black hole” in awareness and understanding of arthrofibrosis created a passion to inform and educate people. Drawing on her scientific understanding of fibrosis, Kayley wrote a review paper called "Pathological mechanisms and therapeutic outlooks for arthrofibrosis", published in Nature Bone Research in 2019. Since this time, she founded the International Arthrofibrosis Association where she provides scientifically referenced information about the pathology of arthrofibrosis and treatment options and provides support.

 

This program was originally recorded May 18, 2023.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $35. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days.