This very sophisticated discussion on the bulletin board will be of interest to readers who want to know what difference there is in outcome between ACI and Microfracture.

Positive first response from medical community...

If you read through the reference given in the previous chapter, you will know by now that there are a number of possible surgical techniques that may benefit someone with joint cartilage damage in the knee. To help surgeons decide which procedure to do, a number of flowcharts (or 'algorithms') have been developed. The surgeon can estimate the depth of the damage and the width of the damaged area, and ask the patient questions about their lifestyle and age. Then by referring to the flowchart, the surgeon will have a fairly good idea of what surgery is likely to benefit the patient.

In the 'in-depth review' section of the KNEEguru website there is a review of the topic of articular cartilage repair written by Karen Hambly - see Articular Cartilage Repair -

Microfracture, despite being a very simple surgical procedure to perform, requires a demanding rehabilitation. Why is this?