Chondroplasty/Micro-fracture surgery.....

[Jeremy]

I am just wondering if anyone here has heard of someone having a micro-fracture procedure and not having any restrictions after surgery?  Also, is there a difference between "picking the area" rather than the medical term of "micro-fracuture"?  Just curious, my OS said he picked the area to stimulate cartilage growth in my patellofemoral joint but I had no restrictions after surgery.. I'm 13 days out of surgery and I was squatting and doing lunges at day 5....Everything I read says to be non-weight bearing post-surgery...Any thoughts?

[Marjan]

Hi Jeremy,

I think "picking" and microfracture can be interchanged.  They used to "drill", but nowadays they have a tool that basically "taps" a hole into the bone.
Post surgical protocols often depend on the surgeon and what he/she feels works the best.  I know that if you have the MFX done on the weight bearing surfaces of the condyles or tibial plateau, people are usually on crutches for anywhere from 4-8 weeks.  I've recently had MFX done on my tochlear  groove  and was allowed weight bearing from day one, but in an immobilizer brace (no weight bearing bending of the knee) for 6 weeks.  It's generally accepted that the first 8 weeks are critical for smooth development of the "clot" or fibrocartilage scar. 
If you are uncomfortable with your rehab protocol, ask your doctor!  They may have a perfectly good explanation for their protocols.

Good luck,

marjan

[adlottis]

Hi Jeremy,

I had a chondroplasty along with a TTT, LR and Medial reefeing.  I was supposed to be on crutches NWB for 2 weeks ended up being NWB for 4 weeks, and on crutches for 11 weeks, partially because of the chondroplasty.  My damage was located behind the patella and the trochlear groove due to numerous subluxions and dislocations.

Annette