What Is A Microfracture Of The Knee?

Researchers have found that knee pain strikes millions of Americans each year. This statistic is not surprising when one considers the knee is the body’s largest joint and arguably the most used and abused of said structures. Healthy knee joints are paramount to optimal mobility.

One specific issue often impacting the knee is damaged cartilage. Cartilage is a type of soft tissue that serves as buffer between joints and bones. Cartilage found in the knee is typically thick. However, over time, various issues may cause this bodily component to gradually thin out and erode. As this deterioration progresses, you might experience a host of physical maladies ranging from mild discomfort to significant mobility struggles.

Fortunately, you may find relief through a procedure known as microfracture surgery. The Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Spine Center, often abbreviated simply as POSMC and serving Frisco TX and surrounding regions, invites you to read this brief blog providing an overview of microfracture of the knee in adults.

Microfracture Surgery Overview

This type of orthopedic intervention is performed to remediate damaged or weakened knee cartilage. The procedure’s overall aim is to stimulate new cartilage growth.

The Surgical Process

During knee miscrofracture, a surgeon inserts small holes in the upper layer of the bones surrounding compromised cartilage. These incisions are made to promote increased blood supply originating in the lower regions of said bones to flow upward, nourish damaged cartilage and promote the generation of new tissues.

Optimal Candidates

Knee microfracture should not be performed on everyone. Typically, you are a suitable candidate provided your cartilage damage is mild to moderate, you are an athlete or physically active or have experienced manifestations like pain and swelling directly attributable to weakened cartilage.

Individuals Who Should Not Receive Knee Microfracture

You are likely not the most optimal candidate for this orthopedic intervention if you have been diagnosed with serious inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle or your knee is unstable, microfracture surgery is usually not indicated.

Potential Risks

Any surgical procedure comes with a certain degree of risks. That said, the consensus among orthopedic surgeons is that your risk for encountering potentially serious complications like infection and blood clots is minimal.

The Recovery Process

In most instances, the recovery process lasts for an extended duration. Specific recovery times will vary from recipient to recipient. Underlying factors include your age, level of physical activity, general health and where in the knee the intervention occurred.

Though you might be able to put weight on their knee in the surgery’s immediate aftermath, there is a better chance that you will need to walk with crutches for possibly as long as six weeks. Additionally, you will likely need to participate in a physical therapy regiment designed to help your knee regain optimal strength and mobility. In most instances, you will not be able to continue engaging in athletic competition for at least six to nine months after the procedure.

Contacting Us

If you believe that you might be a candidate for microfracture of the knee in Frisco TX, we encourage you to contact us. One of our highly trained and experienced knee specialists can perform an examination and determine if said procedure would best suit your needs.