In subacute knee hemarthrosis due to hemophilia, which intervention is MOST appropriate initially?

In subacute knee hemarthrosis due to hemophilia, which intervention is MOST appropriate initially?

• A. Resistive ROM exercise to the knee
• B. Weight bearing to tolerance
• C. Active assistive ROM exercise to the knee
• D. Continuous immobilization of the knee in an extension splint

Answer: (C)

In subacute knee hemarthrosis from hemophilia, the priority is to protect the joint from rebleeding while gradually restoring motion. The knee should not be driven with resistance or heavy loads yet, and prolonged immobilization would only promote stiffness and muscle atrophy. Active assistive ROM allows the knee to move through a gentle, controlled range with support, so motion is promoted without provoking a new bleed. This helps maintain joint nutrition, decrease swelling, and prevent contractures while you monitor the response to movement. Once swelling and pain are better controlled, you can slowly progress to more active movements and resisted exercises as appropriate.

In subacute knee hemarthrosis from hemophilia, the priority is to protect the joint from rebleeding while gradually restoring motion. The knee should not be driven with resistance or heavy loads yet, and prolonged immobilization would only promote stiffness and muscle atrophy. Active assistive ROM allows the knee to move through a gentle, controlled range with support, so motion is promoted without provoking a new bleed. This helps maintain joint nutrition, decrease swelling, and prevent contractures while you monitor the response to movement. Once swelling and pain are better controlled, you can slowly progress to more active movements and resisted exercises as appropriate.