The condition
Articular cartilage is the smooth tissue covering the ends of the bones in the knee. A cartilage defect is a spot where it has worn or broken away, like a pothole. Cartilage heals poorly on its own, so the defect can cause pain, swelling, and catching.
The surgery
Microfracture is a typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera. Damaged cartilage is cleaned to a stable edge, and small holes are made in the bone underneath. Marrow cells and blood fill the defect, forming a clot that matures into repair tissue over several months. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Thigh bone: partial weight with crutches for 4 weeks (6 for larger defects), then full over 2 weeks. Behind the kneecap: full weight in a locked brace for 6 weeks.
- Motion
- No limits—gentle but frequent bending helps the repair. Stationary bike from 1–2 weeks; bending to 120° by 4 weeks.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Impact only after clearance, not before 4 months (6 months for larger defects).
- Sports
- Typically 6–9 months; 9–12 months for large defects or high-impact sports.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain and swelling, especially with smaller defects. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the repair tissue (less durable than normal cartilage) wearing over time, ongoing swelling, the need for a later cartilage procedure, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery