The immediate effect of compression with active movements in pyogenic arthritis of the knee: a case report

Mono articular knee septic arthritis classically presents with acute onset monoarticular joint pain, fever, swelling, and a reluctance or refusal to move the affected joint. While antibiotic therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, adjunctive physiotherapy interventions play a pivotal role in optimizing outcomes, particularly in restoring joint function and minimizing disability. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of compression with active movements (CAMs) in a patient with acute onset pain and stiffness of the right knee joint. A 13-year-old female, was referred to orthopedic physiotherapy OPD with left knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty in walking for 15 days due to septic arthritis. Her active knee flexion was 56 degrees and she felt pain of 7/10 on NPRS on bending her affected knee. Immediately after the application of CAMs at the knee, active knee flexion in sitting increased to 60 degrees and her pain was 3/10 on NPRS. After one week she could walk without a walking frame and her active knee flexion was 80 degrees in high sitting. This case report outlines the novel use of a manual therapy technique CAMs in the treatment of septic knee arthritis. Pain-free active knee flexion demonstrated an immediate improvement in range. The results warrant further research and exploration in clinical applicability. Categories were rheumatology, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation