What is the recovery protocol for microfracture surgery?

6 weeks no weight: Typically, we believe that the microfracture created fibrocartilage (lining that develops in place of the normal cartilage) takes 6 weeks to mature. We don't have specific studies in humans to prove this, but it is an accepted guideline. Therefore we use 6 weeks of no weight on the microfractured area, then exercises to strengthen the surrounding knee. About 50% of microfractures are successful.

Microfracture: Protocol includes non weight bearing to "toe touch weight bearing" for the first 6-8 weeks following surgery, with a continuous passive motion (cpm) for improved range of motion. Microfx surgery may take up to 6 months before some sense of improvement is noted especially depending on the location of the defect addressed. Improvement is also dictated by the surrounding articular cartilage wall.

Microfracture: Recovery for Microfracture knee surgery ( performed to encourage incursion of blood supply to enable healing of articular surface) is in stages. First 4 weeks no weight bearing , but motion is allowed, 4-8 weeks advance weight bearing , continue motion..8-12 weeks, advance with strengthening , begin progressing to running, , 12-16 weeks Advance strenghening , begin pivoting ,quick position chg