Microfracture: A Surgical Solution for Damaged Cartilage
Microfracture is a surgical procedure that is used to treat small areas of damaged cartilage in the knee joint. During the procedure, the surgeon will make small incisions in the knee and use a special tool to create tiny holes in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage. This creates a pathway for new cartilage to grow and fill in the damaged area. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. After the procedure, patients will need to use crutches for several weeks and undergo physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility to the knee. While microfracture can be an effective treatment for small areas of cartilage damage, it is not suitable for everyone and may not provide long-term relief for more severe cases.
