Katty's arthrofibrosis story

After intensive physiotherapy, my physiotherapist noticed that scar tissue had developed (approximately 4 to 5 months after surgery).

In March, I therefore had my first procedure to remove it. Things improved for a few months, although my knee remained very stiff. I was able to return to playing tennis, but the scar tissue kept coming back. It was removed two more times, and I also underwent a capsule release procedure and spent two weeks in a cast.

I also received PRP treatments and cortisone injections, but unfortunately without success.

The doctors here no longer had any solutions. They advised me to keep cycling as much as possible, but that became increasingly difficult. My knee became stiffer and more painful.

So I started searching for answers myself (through ChatGPT), and that is how I came across IAA and got in touch with the incredibly kind Dr. R. Rosenberger. After a consultation there, he performed a more extensive surgery in January 2026, working not only on the scar tissue but also on the notch, cartilage, and other affected areas.

Since then, I have been working hard every day to improve my knee’s flexibility and reduce the pain. Some days are good; others are more difficult.

You never expect an ACL reconstruction to lead to something like this, yet it has had a major impact on every aspect of my life.

I do not only miss playing tennis; I especially miss the social side that comes with it.

Because so few people know about AF, it is often difficult to explain. I frequently hear comments such as: “I also have pain after playing,” “My knees are stiff in the morning too,” “Your knee looks fine,” or “Maybe you’re doing too much.” I know these comments are well-meant, but they can be difficult to hear.

Fortunately, I am surrounded by many loving and encouraging people. Without them, and especially without my husband and daughter, I would not have been able to get through this.

I have spent a huge amount of time with my physiotherapist over the past three years. Without him and the entire team, I certainly could not have managed this journey.

I know many people thought it was not a good idea to travel to Austria for yet another surgery, but for me, there was no other option.

So even if I may never fully reach the level of recovery I had hoped for, I do not regret my decision. Although I certainly underestimated the process—it brought a lot of pain and many sleepless nights.

For now, I continue working every day toward a more flexible knee and doing everything I can to win this battle against AF.