Microfracture surgery is a surgical technique that is administered on individuals suffering from cartilage damage in the knee. The process consists of small holes being drilled into your kneecap in an effort to promote natural cartilage growth in your knee. Despite the minimally invasive procedure, the recovery period for microfracture surgery could be long and physical therapy intensive. As a result, microfracture exercises are designed to help you increase range of motion and strength in your knee.
Passive Motion Machine
Immediately following your surgery, your knee will need to be immobilized for several weeks. After this time has passed, the first type of exercise you can perform is with the aid of a passive motion machine. Strapping your leg to a passive motion machine will allow you to return muscle and range of motion to your surgically repaired knee without straining or overworking your muscles. The machine will simply bend and extend your leg continuously, for as long or short as you like. Keeping it on for an hour or two a day for several weeks will help strengthen and loosen your knee joint.
Knee Bends
After using a passive motion machine for several weeks, knee bends will be the next step in returning range of motion and strength to your knee. Start by standing up straight with your hand balancing on the edge of a table for support. From this position, bend your injured knee 1/3 of the way down. Stop at this point, holding for several seconds, before returning to the standing position. Repeat 10 times or until fatigued.
Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps will help restore range of motion to an ankle that has been static for weeks, indirectly strengthening the areas surrounding your injured knee. Lie down flat on a bed with your legs extended and arms at your sides. Tighten your abdominal muscles, pushing your ankle out and away from your body. As soon as you feel a stretch, hold that position for a count of 10 seconds before relaxing. Repeat with both ankles until fatigued.
Exercise Bike
Exercise bike routines should be performed no earlier than 12 weeks after surgery and only after you have regained full range of motion in your knee. Start with zero resistance on the bike, riding for 20 to 30 minutes, stopping as soon as you feel any tightness in the knee. Keep a steady pace as you ride, with your back straight and arms at your sides. Ride at this resistance for two weeks before adding resistance.
