Microfracture knee surgery is designed to repair articular cartilage. The surgery is performed via a small camera that is placed into the knee (arthroscopy). Thereafter an awl is used to create small fractures in the bone whereby blood and bone marrow seeps out of the fracture creating a blood clot.
The bone marrow is rich in stem cells which gives rise to the new cartilage. Microfracture unfortunately forms fibrocartilage rather than hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage is weaker and at higher risk for break down. Recovery can be slow given the extensive period on non-weight bearing.
Microfracutre 2.o involves placing stem cells directly into areas of cartilage damage without the trauma of making multiple small holes into the cartilage and bone. Regenexx procedure enables patients to use their autologous mesenchymal stem cells which are placed either through direct x-ray visualization or ultrasound guidance. The Regenexx procedure family has no significant post-injection rehabilitation or downtime and allows the patient to return to passions.
