Microfracture treatment

What is this?

Microfracture is a keyhole (arthroscopic) operation of the knee, used to stimulate new cartilage growth in small (not widespread) areas of damaged cartilage.

How does it work?

A microfracture creates small holes in the bone. The surface layer of bone is hard and lacks good blood flow. By penetrating this layer, the blood supply to the deeper bone can access the surface, allowing cells to get to the surface layer and stimulate cartilage growth.

This is best for:

Active patients who cannot participate in their sport because of symptoms

Patients with pain or swelling caused by the damaged area of cartilage

Patients with limited areas of cartilage damage

This is not good for:

Patients with widespread arthritis of the joint

Patients who are sedentary, or inactive

Patients unwilling to participate in the very strict rehabilitation protocol

We follow the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic http://www.steadman-hawkins.com/knee_microfracture/recov.asp Guide to Microfracture Rehabilitation.