AANA19 Knee Access Pass-Featured Lecture_ Range of Motion Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis-Dr. K Donald Shelbourne, M.D.

Featured Lecture_ Range of Motion Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis-Dr. K Donald Shelbourne, M.D.

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The paper explores non-surgical treatment for severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, emphasizing the importance of restoring full knee extension to reduce pain and improve function. Drawing from 25 years of ACL research, the author highlights that knee stiffness, especially loss of extension compared to the opposite knee, is a major cause of pain and disability. A specialized knee extension device, combined with targeted therapy, helps patients regain motion and strength, often avoiding total knee replacement. In a study of 450 patients, this approach improved knee function and symptoms, with only 24% eventually needing surgery, advocating non-operative treatment as a first step for knee OA.

Keywords

non-surgical treatment

severe knee osteoarthritis

knee extension restoration

knee stiffness and pain

ACL research