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Knee microfracture surgery

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Knee microfracture surgery

Definition:

Microfracture is a common surgical technique used to repair damaged knee cartilage, the material that helps cushion bones at the joints. It is frequently performed on athletes.

Alternative Names:

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Cartilage regeneration - knee

Description:

The surgeon makes a tiny, quarter-inch incision on the affected knee and inserts a long thin scope (arthroscope). This scope allows the surgeon to work directly on the joint area. The surgeon uses an ice pick-like tool called an awl to drill very small holes (“microfractures”) into the bone near the defective cartilage. The injury prompts the body to make new, replacement cartilage. Bone marrow seeps out of the holes, creating a blood clot that releases cartilage-building cells. 

Indications:

Microfracture surgery can help a patient prevent a partial or total knee replacement. It is also used to treat pain in the knee from cartilage injuries, as well as:

• Early arthritis of the knee
• Lesions on the kneecap  
• Degenerative chondral lesions of the knee
• Traumatic injuries to the cartilage

References:

Ritchie PK. Surgical management of cartilage defects in athletes. Clin Sports Med. 2005 Jan;24(1):163-74.

Miller BS, Steadman JR, Briggs KK, Rodrigo JJ, Rodkey WG. Patient satisfaction and outcome after microfracture of the degenerative knee. J Knee Surg. 2004 Jan;17(1):13-7.

Orthopaedic knowledge update. In: Pellicci PM, Tria AJ, Garvin KL eds. Hip and Knee Reconstruction. Rosemont, Illinois: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2000.

Johnson, D. Articular Cartilage Update. Program and abstracts of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 70th Annual Meeting; February 5-9, 2003; New Orleans, Louisiana.

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