Urgent Call to Action for Comprehensive Arthrofibrosis Education for Clinicians

Urgent Call to Action for Comprehensive Arthrofibrosis Education for Clinicians

Started
14 April 2023
Signatures: 1,122Next goal: 1,500
Support now

Why this petition matters

Started by Kayley Usher

Myra thought that a total knee replacement would let her get back to her lifelong passions of backpacking and hiking in the wilderness. She was an ideal candidate, fit and healthy. But Myra’s operated knee developed arthrofibrosis, and clinicians weren’t educated about the modified treatments she needed to help her recover. Myra is one of thousands who develop arthrofibrosis after surgery or injury, often leaving them seriously disabled. Help us stop more people from suffering disabling and painful arthrofibrosis by signing. With enough signatures we can lobby medical associations and governments in a number of countries.

Arthrofibrosis can affect people of any age after injury or surgery, or for unknown reasons. It can be a seriously disabling condition that can become long-term if treatments are not modified early after onset, yet many clinicians have never heard the word “arthrofibrosis”. It has many names, including "stiff knee", "frozen shoulder", "adhesive capsulitis" and "frozen elbow”. The number of different names obscures the common pathology, and the lack of understanding is a real problem for society and for the individuals who are impacted. Aggressive physiotherapy is often prescribed for arthrofibrosis but can lead to permanent disability.

It's time to be heard, tell our politicians and medical organisations that arthrofibrosis is a serious condition, and that we need our treating clinicians to understand the pathology and appropriate treatment. See www.arthrofibrosis.info for more information and for links to the Expert Primer videos. When we reach 1000 signatures we'll present them to Australian politicians to request urgent change. IAA members in other countries also plan on taking action.

Support now
Signatures: 1,122Next goal: 1,500
Support now
Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material.Download QR code