How long does a microfracture take to heal ankle?
Weight bearing is usually limited for 6 to 8 weeks, then gradually progressed over time. It may take 4 to 6 months before one can return to sport activities, and even longer to return to competition. Professional athletes may be sidelined up to a year after microfracture surgery.
What is a microfracture of the ankle?
How Does Ankle Microfracture Work? Microfracture is performed during arthroscopy to remove damaged cartilage and resurface the bone. This keyhole procedure is accomplished by penetrating small holes into the bone surface using a sharp tool.
How long does it take for a microfracture to heal?
Depending upon the location of the microfracture and the size of the defect, it can take anywhere from 4 to 7 months to be able to heal to the point where patients can increase their activities and potentially initiate occasional impact activities.
Is ankle microfracture surgery painful?
You may experience some discomfort and should take pain killers, such as Codeine with Diclofenac. These should be taken regularly (3-4 times/day) especially before physiotherapy or exercise sessions.
How do microfractures heal?
The perforations (called “microfractures”) allow blood and healing cells in the bone marrow to fill the defect….The medical modalities include:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s)
- Physical therapy.
- Injections with anti-inflammatory medications or viscosity agents.
Can you play sports after microfracture surgery?
Microfracture improves knee function and frequently allows for return to sports at the preinjury level, but deterioration of athletic function occurs in some patients. Several independent factors were identified that can help to optimize the return to athletic competition after microfracture in the athlete’s knee.
How are microfractures treated?
All patients treated with microfracture for patellofemoral defects must use a brace set for 0° to 20° of flexion for at least 8 weeks. It is essential to limit compression of the new surfaces in the early postoperative period, so that the maturing marrow clot will not be disturbed.
How do micro fractures heal?
You will need to keep your weight off your knee for 6 to 8 weeks unless told otherwise. You will need crutches to get around. Keeping the weight off the knee helps the new cartilage grow. Make sure you check with your doctor to find out how much weight you can put on your leg and for how long.
Are microfractures good?
Microfracture is a simple but cost effective method to treat smaller cartilage injuries. It is not usually used to treat large defects or defects with damage to the underlying bone. Like most procedures to treat articular cartilage injuries, it cannot be used to treat widespread arthritis in a joint.
When is microfracture surgery needed?
Microfracture is a surgical technique that has been developed to treat chondral defects, which are damaged areas of articular cartilage of the knee. It is a common procedure used to treat patients with full thickness damage to the articular cartilage that goes all the way down to the bone.
How do you get microfractures?
Microfracture are tiny fractures in a bone caused when the force applied to a bone exceeds the strength of that bone. This can be achieved through strenuous activities such as running, dance, military training or gymnastics.
Can you run after microfracture surgery?
At 12 weeks post-surgery, most non-impact cardio work is allowed such as spinning, water running, elliptical, and treadmill walking. Spinning on the bike is done initially without resistance until the patient can achieve a comfortable 45 minutes pain free, and without post-exercise effusion.
Are there any good results from microfracture surgery?
The results of microfracture surgery have been investigated many times. In general, people who undergo microfracture surgery do reasonably well in the short to mid-term.
Where is microfracture surgery performed in the knee?
Microfracture is most often performed inside the knee joint, although it has also been used for treatment in other joints including the hip, ankle, and shoulder. A microfracture procedure creates small holes in the bone.
How big of a hole is needed for microfracture surgery?
Ideally, the area undergoing microfracture will be less than about 2 centimeters in diameter and have good, healthy surrounding cartilage. Then, a small, sharp pick (awl) is used to create the small microfracture holes in the bone. The number of microfractures created depends on the size of the joint being treated.
How is microfracture used to treat deep cartilage defects?
Abstract Background: Microfracture (MFX) is frequently used to treat deep cartilage defects in the ankle; however, the data on repair tissue (RT) quality after MFX are very limited at this time. T2-mapping at 3 T has been optimized for the ankle and can be used to noninvasively evaluate cartilage collagen and water content.