Microfracture / Cartilage Repair
A minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to stimulate cartilage regeneration in damaged areas of the knee — reducing pain and restoring smoother joint movement.
What is Microfracture / Cartilage Repair?
Microfracture surgery is a minimally invasive arthroscopic knee procedure used to treat cartilage damage in the knee joint. The knee cartilage is a smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones and allows the joint to move without friction. When it becomes damaged — through sports injuries, trauma, or degeneration — it can expose the underlying bone, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. The microfracture technique stimulates the body's own healing response by creating small controlled perforations in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage area. This releases bone marrow cells and growth factors that migrate into the defect and form a fibrocartilage repair tissue, reducing symptoms and improving joint function.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative MRI Assessment
MRI determines the location, size, and depth of cartilage damage to confirm the microfracture approach and plan the procedure; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Arthroscopic Access
Small keyhole incisions are made; an arthroscope is inserted to visualise the damaged cartilage and surrounding joint surfaces under magnification.
Debridement of Damaged Cartilage
Unstable or damaged cartilage is removed to create a clean, stable base — preparing the defect site for effective bone marrow stimulation.
Microfracture Technique
Tiny perforations are made in the underlying bone using specialised instruments, releasing bone marrow cells and growth factors into the cartilage defect to stimulate regeneration.
Joint Assessment
The treated area and overall joint movement are checked to confirm that the repair site is clean and no cartilage debris remains within the joint.
Wound Closure & Rehabilitation
Instruments are removed, incisions are closed; a structured physiotherapy programme begins to support new cartilage development and restore knee function.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Stimulates the body's own cartilage regeneration using bone marrow cells
- →Minimally invasive arthroscopic technique — small incisions and faster recovery
- →Reduces knee pain and stiffness caused by cartilage damage
- →Improves joint movement and reduces catching or locking sensations
- →Can be combined with meniscus or ligament treatment in the same procedure
- →Physiotherapy after surgery supports new tissue maturation and long-term joint health
“Microfracture is a well-proven technique for stimulating cartilage repair. For patients with focal cartilage defects, this procedure can significantly reduce pain and improve knee function — giving the joint the biological environment it needs to heal.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.