Effects of Different Joint Mobilization Techniques on Post-traumatic Knee Joint Adhesions

YAO Haoran; YANG Yuping; YANG Jufen; LIU Qiang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-437X.2026.16.010

Abstract：Objective To observe the clinical effect of Maitland,Kaltenborn and Mulligan joint mobilization on joint adhesion after knee joint trauma.Methods Ninety patients with joint adhesion after knee joint trauma in Henan Provincial Third People's Hospital from June 2021 to May 2025 were selected and divided into three groups according to the random number table method,30 cases in Mulligan group,30 cases in Kaltenborn group and 30 cases in Maitland group.The effects of the three groups after 8 weeks of treatment were compared,as well as the active range of motion of the knee joint,Lysholm knee function score(Lysholm score),visual analogue scale(VAS)score,proprioception function related indicators before treatment,4 weeks after treatment,and 8 weeks after treatment,and the safety of treatment was recorded.Results The cure rate of Mulligan group was 83.33％,which was higher than that of Kaltenborn group(53.33％)and Maitland group(53.33％)(P＜0.05).After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,active knee flexion and total range of motion in Mulligan group were higher than those in Kaltenborn group and Maitland group(P＜0.05).After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,Lysholm scores were higher,while VAS scores were lower in Mulligan group(P＜0.05).After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,there was no significant difference in the average trajectory error and average weight-bearing force difference among the three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with Kaltenborn and Maitland joint mobilization,Mulligan dynamic joint mobilization in the treatment of knee joint adhesion after trauma can improve the cure rate,reduce pain,improve knee joint mobility and function.There was no significant difference between Kaltenborn and Maitland joint mobilization in reducing pain,improving joint mobility and function.