Microfracture and Ability to Return to Sports After Cartilage Surgery

Microfracture is a simple, effective first line treatment for small articular cartilage defects in the knee joint. Lesions should be isolated to the articular cartilage with no loss of bone, and have a circumferential shoulder of intact cartilage. Post-operative rehabilitation involves 4-6 weeks of protected weight bearing and continuous passive motion. Younger, lighter patients with a shorter duration of symptoms have better outcomes after microfracture. Femoral lesions are associated with better outcomes than patellofemoral lesions.
Source: Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research