Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Blog
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Ask the Expert

Dr. Farber’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Foot and Ankle questions.

Dr. Farber’s Bio | Q&A Archive

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Related Content


 

Knee microfracture surgery - Overview

Alternative Names

Cartilage regeneration - knee

Definition of Knee microfracture surgery:

Knee microfracture surgery is a common procedure used to repair damaged knee cartilage. Cartilage is the material that helps cushion the area where bones meet in the joints. Often, athletes have this procedure.

Description:

Three different types of anesthesia may be used for knee arthroscopy surgery:

  • Your knee may be numbed with painkilling medicine, along with medicines to relax you
  • Spinal (regional) anesthesia
  • General anesthesia, where you will be unconscious and pain-free.

The surgeon will make a 1/4-inch-long incision (cut) on your knee.

  • Then the surgeon will insert a long, thin device called an arthroscope through this incision. The arthroscope is like a camera. It is attached a video monitor in the operating room. It allows the surgeon to look inside your knee and work directly on the joint area. See also: Knee arthroscopy
  • The surgeon uses a small pointed tool called an awl to make very small holes called microfractures (tiny breaks) in the bone near the damaged cartilage.
  • The holes the surgeon makes in your bone release the cells in your bones that build new cartilage. Your body then builds new cartilage to replace the damaged cartilage.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

Microfracture surgery is done on people who have small amounts of damage in the cartilage of their knee joint and on the underside of their kneecap. This surgery can help people avoid the need for a partial or total knee replacement. It is also used to treat pain in the knee from cartilage injuries.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/9/2009
  • C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ritchie PK. Surgical management of cartilage defects in athletes. Clin Sports Med. 2005 Jan;24(1):163-74.

Williams RJ 3rd, Harnly HW. Microfracture: indications, technique, and results. Instr Course Lect. 2007;56:419-428.

Kreuz PC, Erggelet C, Steinwachs MR, Krause SJ, Lahm A, Niemeyer P, et al. Is microfracture of chondral defects in the knee associated with different results in patients aged 40 years or younger? Arthroscopy. 2006;22:1180-1186.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com