Knee microfracture surgery

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Cartilage regeneration - knee


Expectations after surgery

Most patients improve after surgery, and can return to sports (or other intense activities) in about 4 months.


Convalescence

Physical therapy may begin in the recovery room immediately after surgery. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine gently flexes and extends the leg for 6 to 8 hours per day for several weeks. The exercises are increased over time until the patient regains full range of motion. Such exercises are believed to speed up cartilage regeneration.

The patient will be told to keep their weight off the affected joint for 6 to 8 weeks. Crutches will be needed.



Review Date: 03/09/2007
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)