Article

Although physiotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing
ankle arthropathy compared to prophylaxis treatment from early ages, there have
been no conclusive studies examining physiotherapy intervention once hemophilic
arthropathy of the ankle has been established.
The aim of this study was to
evaluate the effectiveness of two physiotherapy interventions, in patients with
hemophilic arthropathy of the ankle that had not been operated on previously.
METHOD: Nine patients with hemophilia (mean age of 35.7 SD 11.9 years) were
randomized to a mobilization group (n = 5) and manual therapy group (n = 4). The
two physiotherapy interventions were: (1) passive mobilization and stretching;
and (2) manual orthopaedic therapy, both with proprioception training. The study
lasted for six weeks, with two sessions a week. Ankle mobility and pain
perception, lower limb proprioception and quality of life were the outcome
measures. RESULTS: Both treatments improved all ankle movements (p < 0.05). The
treatment with passive mobilizations also improved the perception of pain and
quality of life. Six months later, both groups still had improved articular
movement with the exception of plantar flexion and continued to perceive less
pain. CONCLUSIONS: Both physiotherapy interventions improved the range of
movement and lessened pain in patients with ankle arthropathy. No haemarthrosis
was recorded during treatment or during the follow-up period.

Langue : ANGLAIS