Microfracture is a technique to attempt to repair damaged articular cartilage. Small holes are poked into the bone in order to allow blood and marrow healing elements into the area of missing cartilage. This technique allows scar cartilage (fibrocartilage) to fill the area where the cartilage is missing. This technique is easy to perform and can create good results in a lot of patients. However, since the cartilage is scar cartilage, it may not be as durable as other techniques to restore cartilage defects. Microfracture can be performed during an arthroscopy, and no other incision or surgery is needed.

• Patient Guide to Articular Cartilage Injury (1.1Mb)

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