What Is Microfracture Surgery?
What is microfracture? Microfracture is an operation performed to repair worn-out, damaged, or loose articular cartilage, usually in the area of the knee.
As of today, microfracture is the most commonly used articular cartilage repair technique, due to being both effective and cheap.
Studies show the success ratio of microfracture to be 75 to 80 percent, while in most areas the cost of a microfracture is less than $1,000.
Who is a proper candidate for microfracture? Ideally, the perfect candidate should meet the following criteria:
The benefits of having a microfracture According to the medical literature, even the smallest cartilage defects will eventually lead to the onset of osteoarthritis.
Microfracture can put a stop to this, by inducing the production of new healthy cartilage.
Thus, the operation can help the patient to return back to his daily activities, preventing the progression of arthritis How is the operation performed? Microfracture is a minimally invasive procedure performed via arthroscopic means.
During the operation, the surgeon makes a very small incision (about a quarter-inch in length), through which he inserts the arthroscope.
Essentially, the arthroscope is a tube like camera that the doctor uses to "see" inside your knee during the operation.
Then, the surgeon makes another small incision through which he inserts tiny instruments to repair the damage.
Next, the surgeon uses a sharp pick (awl) to make tiny holes in the subchondral bone where the damaged area lies.
which cause new cartilage to generate.
Almost immediately, fresh blood starts to flow from these holes, containing mesechymal stem cells, growth factors and other ingredients.
Over the next days, these ingredients form a blood clot.
In the coming weeks, this clot will mature and form new, healthy cartilage.
Microfracture Rehabilitation The transition to full weight bearing is gradual and slow.
It will take at least 4-6 weeks before you allowed to start walking.
During this time you will need crutches to move around.
Usually, after 4 weeks you are allowed to gradually (over the course of several days to weeks) build up the amount of weight that you allow the operated leg to take.
In general, most patients are allowed to return to everyday activities (like walking or driving) after 2-3 months.
It may take up to a year before you allowed to practice intensive sports like football or basketball.
Please note that microfracture has its limits, yielding good to excellent results only to people with small cartilage defects.
If your defect is large you may require a more advanced cartilage regeneration technique, like autologous chondrocyte implantation.
As of today, microfracture is the most commonly used articular cartilage repair technique, due to being both effective and cheap.
Studies show the success ratio of microfracture to be 75 to 80 percent, while in most areas the cost of a microfracture is less than $1,000.
Who is a proper candidate for microfracture? Ideally, the perfect candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Have a small, localized cartilage defect
- Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle
- Have a normal weight
- He is 18 to 30 years old
The benefits of having a microfracture According to the medical literature, even the smallest cartilage defects will eventually lead to the onset of osteoarthritis.
Microfracture can put a stop to this, by inducing the production of new healthy cartilage.
Thus, the operation can help the patient to return back to his daily activities, preventing the progression of arthritis How is the operation performed? Microfracture is a minimally invasive procedure performed via arthroscopic means.
During the operation, the surgeon makes a very small incision (about a quarter-inch in length), through which he inserts the arthroscope.
Essentially, the arthroscope is a tube like camera that the doctor uses to "see" inside your knee during the operation.
Then, the surgeon makes another small incision through which he inserts tiny instruments to repair the damage.
Next, the surgeon uses a sharp pick (awl) to make tiny holes in the subchondral bone where the damaged area lies.
which cause new cartilage to generate.
Almost immediately, fresh blood starts to flow from these holes, containing mesechymal stem cells, growth factors and other ingredients.
Over the next days, these ingredients form a blood clot.
In the coming weeks, this clot will mature and form new, healthy cartilage.
Microfracture Rehabilitation The transition to full weight bearing is gradual and slow.
It will take at least 4-6 weeks before you allowed to start walking.
During this time you will need crutches to move around.
Usually, after 4 weeks you are allowed to gradually (over the course of several days to weeks) build up the amount of weight that you allow the operated leg to take.
In general, most patients are allowed to return to everyday activities (like walking or driving) after 2-3 months.
It may take up to a year before you allowed to practice intensive sports like football or basketball.
Please note that microfracture has its limits, yielding good to excellent results only to people with small cartilage defects.
If your defect is large you may require a more advanced cartilage regeneration technique, like autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Source...