Knee microfracture surgery

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

The structure of a joint

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Knee microfracture surgery

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 begins in the recovery room immediately after surgery. The patient is connected to a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine that gently flexes and extends the leg for 6 to 8 hours per day for several weeks, often during sleep. 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: 3/24/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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