Microfracture knee surgery is a major medical procedure to repair knee cartilage. As with any surgery done to repair an injury, proper rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery. Follow your physical therapy program, along with properly caring for your injury, to help you return to normal activities and ensure your best results.
Microfracture Knee Surgery
Microfracture knee surgery is a medical operation repair damaged cartilage in your knee. Cartilage is soft tissue found in your joints used to cushion your bones. To perform the operation, your surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope. The video from the camera is displayed on a screen, allowing your surgeon to see inside the joint. Then he inserts tools to make small holes, called microfractures, in your bones near the damaged cartilage. These holes will release the bone cells responsible for building cartilage. This process allows for new cartilage to be created, replacing the damaged cartilage.
Acute Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation following microfracture surgery begins almost immediately. While you are still recovering in the hospital, your leg will be put in a machine known as a continuous passive motion machine, or CPM. The CPM gently exercises your leg, helping to heal your knee and restore the range of motion in the joint. You should use the CPM for six to eight hours per day, for about six weeks following surgery. You should also use crutches when walking for the first six to eight weeks post-op.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a vital part of the rehabilitation process following microfracture surgery. Once your doctor deems you ready, begin a physical therapy program to help you gain the strength and mobility in your knee. A simple exercise to begin with is knee bends, putting most of your weight on the uninjured leg at first. You can also start using a stationary bike one to two weeks post-op. After about eight weeks, begin more strenuous activity, slowly progressing to full weight-bearing exercise and the use of resistance bands. Free weights and machine weights should be avoided for the first 16 weeks after surgery.
Prognosis
Microfracture surgery is most successful when performed on patients with small amounts of damaged cartilage. Most people, though, notice improvement in their knee following surgery. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many patients return to sports or other intense activities after about four months.
