Objective:To study the indication and clinical efficacy of arthroscopic releasing of knee stiffness.Methods:24 cases of knee stiffness have undergone arthroscopic releasing.The mean age was 44 years(17～71) old.The average knee flexion angle was 37.5°(10°～60°) and WOMAC score was 14(9～22) preoperatively;intraoperatively

plasma knife was employed for intra-articular releasing.Postoperative rehabilitation protocol included CPM exercise

cold therapy

as well as anti-inflammatory analgesic treatment and intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid sodium.The range of motion

joint swelling and complications were observed.Results:Intraoperatively

the average knee flexion angle was 101°(50°～130°).6 weeks postoperatively

the average flexion angle was 98°(70°～125°)

which increased by 60.5° compared with preoperation;and the WOMAC score was 4.5(0～17)

which decreased by 9.5.Postoperatively

no obvious swelling or pain has been observed.Wound healing was uneventful.No complication has occurred.The average knee flexion angle was 98°(70°～125°).With respect to the efficacy

according to Judet’s criteria

excellent was in 12 cases

good in 7 cases

fair in 2 cases and poor in 4 cases.However

patients with supracondylar femoral fracture

joint replacement surgery and joint dysfunction for more than 3 months were liable to have poor prognosis.Conclusion:Arthroscopic releasing of knee stiffness can significantly improve the ROM of knee joint with intra-articular adhesions within 3 months.But other approaches may be necessary for the patients with supracondylar femoral fracture

joint replacement surgery and joint dysfunction for more than 3 months.