Hi. I was 6 weeks NWB, then went WB on two crutches for a week and then down to 1 crutch the week after. So was really 8 weeks before i was trying to walk without any crutch help. It was very odd - I had actually lost the ability to walk a normal gait ! Practice on your walking technique as well - this is very important.

Important thing is to take it slow - given what you have been through, take it easy, do your muscle rehab, get those quads going and dont worry about it taking a bit longer to totally ditch the crutches, its not a race. Dont use anyone else as a benchmark on timings either. Everyones injury is different and rehab times can differ.

I'll say it again, but your quad muscle and calf muscle exercises are the most important - you need to build up the muscle to take pressure off your knee. Your walking and strength will build from there.

I am 18 weeks post 2cm2 MFX on LFC and am doing ok. Can walk around without pain, up stairs is ok, down stairs generally ok. No real pain or swelling after the gym. Doing about 1hr rehab a day which is really enjoyable given the amount of time on the couch !!

If you have any other question dont hesitate to ask, it a horrible surgery to get over and I know I've had a 1,000 questions and worries over the past 16 weeks.

Craig

Hi Surf,  have just had mfx for 2nd time, legion size of a 50p coin on lateral femoral comdyle. (Weight Bearing area), so surgeon says. Anyway i have a ruptured acl which cannot be operated due to arthrrtitis damage. Basically this is last hope to keep me going for a few years if succesful to hold off TKR.

The program i have been given is PWB for 6 weeks. 10-15kds weight. Then to go off crutches. I was told i could then go swimming.
I am a bit unsure about the 6 weeks mark. I am with a new surgeon. I will have to see what the physio says!

Nicky

The first microfracture performed was in 2010. nom crutches totall weight bearing. My new surgeon couldnt believe i was weight bearing after operation. Anyway i was in agony for months, clunking clicking tooth ache pain. I tried hyraulonic acid injections for 3 months no help. I waited 2 years to see if it would im,prove. I was always left with that tooth ache feeling and swelling

Makew sure you do the right time with crutches, this is the most important time. Good luck

Typical is NWB week 0-2, PWB week 3-5, progress to full weight bearing week 6-8 (i.e. 30% weight week 6, drop to one crutch week 7, and FWB by week