All range of motion returned within a few months. 13. BUT. But how wrong was I, when I woke the surgeon told me he had done a micro fracture as it was worse than he thought which would mean me being on crutches for 6wks, I was mortified but I felt positive as I had very little pain compared to the first operation. The ONLY way I have been able to walk or do PT was because of continuous icing 24/7 with a brace I had purchased. Mo more pain in ankle almost immediately after finishing the series. Day 3 of work my knee was so swollen could not get 90 degrees. Arthroscopy 2003; 19(5):477-484. I specifically expressed to my OS that I wanted conservative treatment due to my high level of activity. I see my OS next week for my 6 week post op and he will hear an earful. It’s been tough to say the least and at 5-1/2 weeks was permitted to ditch the crutches. I feel pretty lost and not sure what to do, but if more surgery is required, that OS won’t touch me with a 10 foot pole! Either by punching small holes into the bone underneath the cartilage surface or by drilling small holes in the bone, a microfracture creates a pathway where blood can get to the area of cartilage injury. This is accomplished by gradually introducing the athlete into partial practices or team conditioning drills. Not a single quick step. Microfracture Knee Surgery Recovery. Patient will be released from the hospital the same day as surgery I got referred to SOSBones—and hour drive for us—but completly worth it! The last consultant I met didn’t seem to know a thing when I asked him what exercises I could do (after 6 weeks) so explained to him what the Steadman protocol was as I’d read as much on the web. Microfracture has been shown to be a very effective treatment for appropriate patients with knee cartilage damage amenable to this types of surgery. If it doesn’t he is going to send me to a cartilage specialist. The type of cartilage that provides smooth motion at a joint surface is called articular cartilage. The Left (18 years ago) failed again after tripping and landing badly. Everybody hang in there though! I wish everyone here or who is searching out this info the very best and my hope is they don’t end up in a situation like I have. Impatiently waiting for this to heal!!!!!! Lower extremity loads in landings of elite gymnasts. Sorry for the long post. This hip replacement procedure provides recovery and return-to-lifestyle benefits that may not be as easily obtained with other surgical approaches for hip replacement. My success is due to my incredbile surgeon, Dr. Todd Battaglia.My group, SOSBones is phenom.He told me the weight bearing issue w microcfracture is all dependant on where it is. Unstable platform bilateral squatting. This bleeding creates a clot that will develop into the new fibrocartilage base.5,8, Appropriate candidates for microfracture surgery have been defined as young individuals with isolated lesions, no degenerative changes, and normal knee alignment. ACI surgery is one option but apprehensive due to invasive procedure. I was given some pain meds, and they help a little bit but I cannot get comfortable to fall asleep. 3. Microfracture surgery anyone had it? The only update I can give you is that I had my surgery Feb 14 and the Dr who has done a lot of surgeries on athletes was good but he told me a few things I didn’t want to hear. It may take 4 to 6 months before one can return to sport activities, and even longer to return to competition. I am really hoping that working with him and my pt will get me back to the fit lifestyle that I am used to. I had arthro for a torn meniscus, and while in there, my doc found floating cartliage requring microfracture. Why is this? Thank you for sharing this with us. If not already taking place, participation in team strength training sessions is a safe reintroduction to team activity. Cartilage injuries are difficult for the body to heal. My post op appt the PA i saw gave me a new knee brace w hinges on the sides and said things should get better once i strenghten my knee. I no longer use the brace working out. Running is out for another 6 months. I am happy to say that I am doing well on both accounts. And he is a top surgeon, most trusted, etc in his field. Good luck with your road to finding your old athletic self. If the athlete is unable to resume impact activities for a prolonged period, the joint surfaces can be re-evaluated for gross macroscopic changes with a repeat MRI. Microfracture is a simple but cost effective method to treat smaller cartilage injuries. It’s been six weeks, saw the Dr. and he said if this didn’t calm down he would give me a cortisone shot and maybe start on synvisc. which are the hallmark of Phase II. Now I go to physio classes which have helped so much and finally feel it may have worked after all, although it still swells and feels stiff I only take the painkillers when needed and make sure I ice it. I’m 49 (ouch). In summary, microfracture and the rehabilitation following this surgical procedure remain relatively new. I was unaware of the “unloader brace” before I read this article. I can tell when I overexercise because it aches. I am blessed with a surgeon/friend who I trust and who has been in touch with full disclosure regarding with what my expectations should be and their timetable. To say i’m disappointed and depressed is a mega understatement as I’m not earning any more (Who wants to employ a consultant PM on crutches). Articular cartilage injuries are diagnosed both by clinical exam and imaging. What Types of Surgery Are Used to Treat Knee Injuries? If I put too much weight on my leg, I do get some shooting pains. A recent study says that microfracture knee alternatives should be used because the procedure is ineffective and should be abandoned. I was given some pain meds, and they help a little bit but I cannot get comfortable to fall asleep. Surgical date was this past July. She teased me that resting my leg of a pillow is comfortable but not effective rehabilitation. I have accepted my down shift as I approach 50 years of age; however, I realize when the time comes to fully re-engage it will be done slowly and it will be littered with obstacles and pitfalls. Ask your health care provider or physical therapist about getting your home ready. I found this site and forum and almost wanted to cry. The healing of that part is VERY minimal. Now more than 2. This technique was first developed in the 1980’s by Dr. Richard Steadman. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1998;28(4):192-202. The first 2 ACL reconstructions, I had buckling that felt like my leg was going to separate. I have been icing and and started PT following the rehab exercises, some days feels better than others. Now at almost 5 months I am playing in college. In post op 4 hours later, sorry you will be on crutches for 6 weeks and won’t ski till 2015. For that reason, it is critical to follow your surgeon's instructions when recovering from microfracture surgery. Weight bearing is usually limited for 6 to 8 weeks, then gradually progressed over time. 4. CPed I can feel much less clicking and internal pain than before already and am anxiously awaiting my 6 week post-op visit to learn of my progress. One may balance in the shower. 16. Let us know what you think. They did the microfracture… I’m 43 and highly active. 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