According to MedlinePlus, knee microfracture surgery is a common procedure to repair damaged knee cartilage and is often performed on athletes. The microfracture procedure involves drilling small holes into the knee joint. MedlinePlus says the holes are designed to stimulate the building of new knee cartilage. Rehabilitation from microfracture surgery can be a lengthy process especially for athletes hoping to return to pre-injury game speed.
Step 1
Begin use of a continuous passive motion or CPM machine immediately after surgery in the recovery room. Most larger medical and rehab facilities have this machine. According to the Steadman Clinic, you should use the CPM machine six to eight hours per day, increasing the range of motion until you reach the full range of motion with no pain. The Steadman Clinic says that if you do not have access to a CPM machine then you should alternate straightening and bending the knee with flexion/extension exercise three times per day for 500 repetitions each time.
Step 2
Pedal on a stationary bike and begin water rehabilitation exercises two weeks after surgery. The Steadman Clinic notes that the stationary biking should be performed with no resistance. The water rehab exercises will enable you to restore pain-free range of motion more quickly than you could on land.
Step 3
Add resistance or elastic bands to provide resistance to your exercises two months after surgery. In addition, you can walk without crutches and allow the knee to bear weight after two months. The Steadman Clinic says that most doctors prescribe crutches for at least six weeks and up to two months post-surgery.
Step 4
Lift weights again for your legs after four months of rehab and begin sport specific exercises. However, the Steadman Clinic notes that some patients cannot return to sports that require pivoting, cutting and jumping for up to six months after surgery. Cutting sports can include football, basketball, volleyball and soccer.
Things You'll Need
- CPM machine
- Resistance bands
- Exercise bike
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