Microfracture Rehabilitation

Protocol for Tibial Plateau Microfracture, but non-weight bearing.

For rehabilitation guidelines and protocol for femoral microfracture please download the following PDF

PROTOCOL FOR FEMORAL MICROFRACTURE - PROTOCOL FOR TIBIAL PLATEAU MICROFRACTURE

The Microfracture technique is used in knees where there is a defect in the articular cartilage.
These chondral injuries will progress to arthritic changes if left unaddressed.

During the operation the full thickness articular cartilage defect is identified and the exposed bone debrided. Multiple holes or ‘microfractures’ are made in the subchondral bone plate. A blood clot rich in marrow elements: ‘super clot’, forms over the lesion. This clot provides a rich medium in which cells can divide. These eventually form a repair cartilage that fills the original defect.

Patients should have CPM immediately after surgery from 30º-70º and then gradually increased
over the next few hours. Pain is the guiding factor limiting ROM. The primary goal is to regain full passive knee motion as soon as possible.

Protocol for Patella Femoral Microfracture

For rehabilitation guidelines and protocol for femoral microfracture please download the following PDF

PROTOCOL FOR PATELLA FEMORAL MICROFRACTURE

The Microfracture technique is used in knees where there is a defect in the articular cartilage.
These chondral injuries will progress to arthritic changes if left unaddressed.

During the operation the full thickness articular cartilage defect is identified and the exposed boned debrided. Multiple holes or ‘micro fractures’ are made in the subchondral bone plate. A blood clot rich in marrow elements: ‘super clot’, forms over the lesion. This clot provides a rich medium in which cells can divide. These eventually form a repair cartilage that fills the original defect.

These patients will return from theatre in a brace. The range of motion restriction is decided in
theatre and strict attention should be paid to the operation notes for guidance. The brace stops the defect coming into contact with the patella facet as the repair cells are forming.

Patients should have CPM immediately after surgery from 30º-70º and then gradually increased
over the next few hours. Pain is the guiding factor limiting ROM.

The primary goal is to regain full passive knee motion as soon as possible.

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