What Is Microfracture Surgery?
A microfracture procedure creates small holes in the bone.
The surface layer of bone, called the subchondral bone, is hard and lacks good blood flow.
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How Does it Work?
This procedure allows blood and stem cells to form a clot in the area of the cartilage defect.
These cells have the ability to form a cartilage layer within the defect.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microfracture Surgery?
Procedure
A microfracture can be performed as part ofarthroscopicknee surgery.
Other joints can be treated similarly, also by arthroscopic surgery.
Rehabilitation must protect the area treated by microfracture while maintaining the strength and motion of the knee joint.
Most people need to use crutches after surgery.
Often, a knee brace will be recommended.
And in some situations, a motion machine to bend the knee may be used.
Microfracture surgery of the knee is a safe procedure with minimal risks.
Persistent pain despite surgical intervention is the main concern.
Other more severe complications, such as infection, blood clots, and swelling, are uncommon.
Outcomes and Limitations
Microfracture can be an excellent procedure, providing substantial pain relief.
One of the concerns with microfracture is that it does not stimulate the growth of normal joint cartilage.
Microfracture stimulates the growth of another bang out of cartilage commonly found in scar tissue (called fibrocartilage).
Because microfracture stimulates a less resilient form of cartilage, the long-term results are often unsatisfactory.
Over time, people who undergo this procedure may end up experiencing significant progression of arthritis.
Steadman JR, Rodkey WG, Briggs KK.Microfracture: its history and experience of the developing surgeon.Cartilage.
2013;21(5):303311. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-05-303
