Microfracture
(Cartilage Repair)
Stimulating Natural Cartilage Growth for Knee Restoration
Microfracture is an advanced surgical technique designed to repair damaged cartilage in the knee by stimulating the body’s natural ability to grow new cartilage. This procedure is particularly effective for treating focal cartilage defects which are specific, localised areas of cartilage damage often caused by injury or early-stage osteoarthritis. Unlike other cartilage repair techniques that involve grafting or implanting new tissue, microfracture harnesses the body’s own healing processes to regenerate cartilage within the affected area.
THE MICROFRACTURE PROCEDURE
Dr Keeley performs microfracture arthroscopically, using minimally invasive keyhole surgery. During the procedure, he carefully identifies the damaged area, assessing the size, position, and condition of the underlying bone. Any loose or damaged cartilage is meticulously cleared away, exposing the bare bone beneath.
Next, he creates small holes in the bone’s surface, which stimulate bleeding. This bleeding forms a blood clot within the area of the cartilage defect. Over time, this clot is populated by cartilage-producing cells, which gradually replace the clot with new cartilage. While the regenerated cartilage may not fully replicate the quality of the original cartilage, it significantly improves the condition compared to having no cartilage at all.
RECOVERY FOLLOWING MICROFRACTURE SURGERY
Successful recovery from microfracture surgery hinges on a carefully managed rehabilitation program. Weightbearing is typically introduced around six weeks post-surgery, with a gradual increase in load to allow the new cartilage to harden and mature. It’s crucial that this progression is slow and controlled; initiating activities too early can result in the formation of softer fibrocartilage, which may not be fully functional and could lead to a recurrence of pain.
The recovery timeline varies depending on the location and size of the cartilage defect, but patients can generally expect a period of 4 to 7 months before they can safely resume more vigorous activities, including occasional impact exercises. Dr Keeley and his team will guide you through each step of your recovery, ensuring the best possible outcome from your microfracture procedure.