JOINT HORIZONS Mount Stuart Hospital
St Vincent's Road Torquay
Devon
TQ1 4UP
T: 01803 326688
F: 01803 322006
Microfracture (Cartilage re-growth)
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What is this?
Microfracture is a keyhole (arthroscopic) operation of the knee and occasionally hip, used to stimulate new cartilage growth in small (not widespread) areas of damaged cartilage.
How does it work?
A microfracture creates small holes in the bone. The surface layer of bone is hard and lacks good blood flow. By penetrating this layer, the blood supply to the deeper bone can access the surface, allowing cells to get to the surface layer and stimulate cartilage growth.
This is best for:
- Active patients who cannot participate in their sport because of symptoms
- Patients with pain or swelling caused by the damaged area of cartilage
- Patients with limited areas of cartilage damage
This is not good for
- Patients with widespread arthritis of the joint
- Patients who are sedentary, or inactive
- Patients unwilling to participate in the very strict rehabilitation protocol
We follow the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic Guide to Microfracture Rehabilitation.
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