Arthroscopic Microfracture Surgery: A Modern Solution for Cartilage Damage

Joint health directly affects our mobility and quality of life. In particular, cartilage damage can severely limit joint function over time, leading to pain and limitation of movement. Arthroscopic microfracture surgery, which is applied in such cases, offers an effective treatment option to repair cartilage damage with a minimally invasive method.

What is Arthroscopic Microfracture Surgery?

Arthroscopic microfracture surgery is a regenerative surgical method used to treat cartilage damage in the joint. It is performed with a minimally invasive surgical technique called arthroscopy and the body’s natural healing mechanisms are activated by creating micro-level fractures in the damaged cartilage area. During this process, stem cells and growth factors from the bone marrow allow the cartilage tissue to regenerate.

How is it Implemented?

• Diagnosis and Preparation: Firstly, the size and location of the joint damage is evaluated by arthroscopy.
• Cleaning the Damaged Area: The damaged cartilage tissue is carefully cleaned and healthy tissues are protected.
• Creation of Microfractures: Micro holes are drilled into the bone in the damaged area. These holes allow stem cells and blood to leak from the bone marrow.
• Regeneration Process: Stem cells help the formation of a new tissue called fibrous cartilage in the damaged area.

Who is it suitable for?

Arthroscopic microfracture surgery is generally suitable for

• Focal Cartilage Damage: Limited cartilage loss, especially in load-bearing joints such as the knee, ankle and hip.
• Traumatic Injuries: Cartilage damage caused by sports or accidents.
• Young and Active Patients: More successful results are obtained in patients with high healing capacity.

Advantages

• Minimally Invasive Method: Since it is performed with small incisions, the postoperative recovery process is fast.
• Natural Healing Mechanism: The natural reparative power of stem cells is utilised.
• Long Term Effect: When applied in the right patients, it provides long-term relief and increased function.
• Short Operation Time: It is completed in a shorter time compared to traditional surgical methods.

Postoperative Process

• Physiotherapy Physical therapy is of great importance in the healing process. Excessive load on the joint is prevented to regenerate the cartilage.
• Partial Load Period: Patients usually protect the joint by using crutches for 6-8 weeks.
• Cartilage Formation: It may take 6-12 months for the new cartilage tissue to fully form.

Results and Expectations

Arthroscopic microfracture surgery is a highly effective method to reduce pain and restore joint mobility in cartilage damage. However, the newly formed cartilage has a different structure than the original cartilage and therefore may not give the same result in all patients.

An expert assessment is required to determine the suitability for treatment. Young, active patients with limited cartilage damage usually benefit the most from this surgical method.

In which cases is it not applied?

• Patients with extensive and advanced cartilage loss
• Patients with severe structural impairment of the joint due to osteoarthritis
• Elderly patients with reduced capacity for recovery

Arthroscopic microfracture surgery is a promising modern method in the treatment of cartilage damage. Thanks to its minimally invasive structure and support for natural healing mechanisms, successful results are obtained in many patients.