Intercondylar notch fibrous nodule after total knee replacement

Abstract

Intra-articular fibrous bands and soft-tissue impingement under the patella after total knee replacement are a well known complications that can be diagnosed and treated arthroscopically. Arthroscopic treatment of soft-tissue impingement between femoral and tibial components in a total knee arthroplasty has been recently reported. The purpose of this article is to report one more case of this pathology of a more fibrotic type resembling a nodule in the intercondylar notch that prevents total extension and to discuss the possible origin and clinical significance. Finally, we propose a classification of the fibrotic reactions after total knee arthroplasty: (A)Multiples or complex bundles reactions; and (B)singles or isolates nodular forms: fibrous nodule in the femoropatelar area (clunk syndrome), and fibrous nodule in the intercondylar notch.