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Knee microfracture surgery

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Cartilage regeneration - knee

Expectations after surgery:

Most patients improve after surgery, and can return to sports (or other intense activities) in about 4 months.

Convalescence:

Physical therapy may begin in the recovery room immediately after surgery. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine gently flexes and extends the leg for 6 to 8 hours per day for several weeks. The exercises are increased over time until the patient regains full range of motion. Such exercises are believed to speed up cartilage regeneration.

The patient will be told to keep their weight off the affected joint for 6 to 8 weeks. Crutches will be needed.

References:

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

Miller BS, Steadman JR, Briggs KK, Rodrigo JJ, Rodkey WG. Patient satisfaction and outcome after microfracture of the degenerative knee. J Knee Surg . 2004 Jan;17(1):13-7.

Orthopaedic knowledge update. In: Pellicci PM, Tria AJ, Garvin KL eds. Hip and Knee Reconstruction . Rosemont, Illinois: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2000.

Johnson, D. Articular Cartilage Update. Program and abstracts of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 70th Annual Meeting; February 5-9, 2003; New Orleans, Louisiana.

• Review Date: 3/9/2007
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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