Hemophiliac knee: rehabilitation techniques

Abstract

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder which produces its greatest morbidity in the musculoskeletal system. This article reviews current rehabilitation techniques for the hemophiliac knee--including restrictions of physical activity, external support, and corrective orthotic devices--reports our experience using aggressive strengthening techniques in 2 children, and compares the effectiveness of the 2 methods. It is the impression of the authors that strengthening, rather than immobilization, can bring about increased range of motion, increased strength, and decreased bleeding frequency.