• Microfracture knee surgery is a cost-effective, relatively easy, highly efficient procedure available to all surgeons who perform arthroscopy. It is a reliable initial approach to the treatment of chondral defects. The technique does not limit options for future surgeries on the knee, such as mosaic-plasty or autologous chondrocyte transplantation, if microfracture were to fail. (7, 13)

• The creator of microfracture knee surgery is Dr. Richard Steadman. To gain a complete understanding of where microfracture fits in with other operative techniques visit the history page. (7, 13, 20)

• Microfracture is used for both traumatic and degenerative full-thickness chondral defects. It can be used as the first line of treatment for all focal, traumatic chondral defects in the knee regardless of size and location. To read about other advantages of microfracture go to the advantages and disadvantages page. (7, 13)

• Indications that surgery might be necessary include increased pain and swelling, increased difficulty with activities, or diagnosis of a chondral defect on MRI. For more information on articular chondral lesions visit the knee anatomy page. (23)

• The ideal conditions for a patient considering microfracture knee surgery are an acute (occurring less than 12 weeks from surgery) lesion smaller than 400 mm in area in the femoral and trochlear regions of the knee. These are the ideal circumstances as they have the most predictable results based upon studies. To see if you are a candidate for microfracture visit the candidates page. (7)

• Microfracture is both a satisfying and successful surgical technique as displayed by numerous studies. In a study of 100 patients with a follow up period of 6 years after surgery, 86% of patients rated their knees as feeling normal to nearly normal after microfracture. Only 14% saw their level of sports participation reduced after the surgery. In a study of 81 patients, a 10-point scale measuring patient satisfaction was used and reported microfracture knee surgery earned a 8.3. To learn more about the positive effects in athletes or other clinical trials please see those respective pages. (7, 13)

Figure 3- A grade IV lesion that has been microfractured
Permission granted by Masoud Riyami (19)