How long does it take to recover from microfracture knee surgery?
Depending upon the location of the microfracture and the size of the defect, it can take anywhere from 4 to 7 months to be able to heal to the point where patients can increase their activities and potentially initiate occasional impact activities.
What is a microfracture of the bone?
Microfracture. Microfracture are tiny fractures in a bone caused when the force applied to a bone exceeds the strength of that bone. This can be achieved through strenuous activities such as running, dance, military training or gymnastics.
What is a microfracture Chondroplasty?
Chondroplasty and Microfracture are two such techniques that are used to help smooth out damaged, irregular shaped cartilage in order to provide a smoother gliding surface for the joint.
What is a microfracture of the tibia?
Microfracture is performed during arthroscopic ( keyhole) surgery. The damaged ar- ea is prepared by removing any loose or damaged areas of articular cartilage, expos- ing the underlying bone. A small pick (awl) or drill is used to create small holes in the bone. It is important that bleeding occurs from these holes.
How painful is microfracture knee surgery?
Description. You will not feel any pain during the surgery. Three types of anesthesia may be used for knee arthroscopy surgery: Local anesthesia — You will be given shots of painkillers to numb the knee.
How successful is microfracture knee surgery?
Microfracture is 80% successful in producing significant pain relief and improvement in the ability to return to sports, even at the professional level. Fifteen to twenty per cent of patients are not helped by the knee surgery procedure and may go on to need another procedure including some type of joint replacement.
How big is a microfracture?
Microfracture is indicated in patients with symptomatic cartilage defects smaller than 2 cm2, with treatment of larger lesions reserved for patients of lower physical demand.
How long does it take to recover from Chondroplasty?
EXPECTED RECOVERY: Walking without crutches approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery. Back to work within 3-4 months following surgery if laborer, desk type work may return 2-3 weeks following surgery. Progress back to sports after 3-4 months.
How do you know if you have a microfracture?
The general indications for microfracture are: The patient has a full-thickness defect (loss of articular cartilage down to the bone) in either a weightbearing area between the femur and tibia or in an area of contact between the back of the patella and the groove it slides in.
Are microfractures good?
Microfracture is a simple but cost effective method to treat smaller cartilage injuries. It is not usually used to treat large defects or defects with damage to the underlying bone. Like most procedures to treat articular cartilage injuries, it cannot be used to treat widespread arthritis in a joint.
How is microfracture treated?
All patients treated with microfracture for patellofemoral defects must use a brace set for 0° to 20° of flexion for at least 8 weeks. It is essential to limit compression of the new surfaces in the early postoperative period, so that the maturing marrow clot will not be disturbed.
How is microfracture used to treat chondral defects?
Microfracture Technique. Overview. Microfracture is a surgical technique that has been developed to treat chondral defects, which are damaged areas of articular cartilage of the knee. It is a common procedure used to treat patients with full thickness damage to the articular cartilage that goes all the way down to the bone.
How are microfractures treated as an injury by the body?
Through use of an awl, the surgeon creates tiny fractures in the subchondral bone plate. Blood and bone marrow (which contains stem cells) seep out of the fractures, creating a blood clot that releases cartilage-building cells. The microfractures are treated as an injury by the body, which is why the surgery results in new, replacement cartilage.
Who was the first person to do microfracture surgery?
The surgery was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Dr. Richard Steadman of the Steadman-Hawkins clinic in Vail, Colorado. Steadman slowly refined the procedure through research (including tests on horses ).
How are microfractures used to create super clots?
Multiple holes, or microfractures, are then made in the exposed bone about 3 to 4mm apart. Bone marrow cells and blood from the holes combine to form a “super clot” that completely covers the damaged area. This marrow-rich clot is the basis for the new tissue formation.