Microfracture knee surgery is a surgery used to repair damaged knee cartilage, which aids in cushioning bones at their joints. It is frequently performed on athletes, and requires a lengthy, detailed recovery period to achieve optimal rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy
As is the case with many major knee surgeries, physical therapy usually begins immediately after microfracture knee surgery. In fact, a patient is apt to wake up from surgery and find her knee already in a machine that stretches and bends the ligaments. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine gently bends and extends the leg for six to eight hours a day for several weeks. Exercises--most of which focus on regaining full strength and extension--increase as time goes on until full range of motion is achieved. These exercises are believed to speed up cartilage regrowth.
If a CPM machine is not utilized, the patient will likely begin passive flexion/extension, whereby the patient bends and straightens the knee 500 times three times a day.
Strength Exercises
Regaining strength in the knee is also vital post-microfracture surgery. Doctors will employ a variety of exercises to regain this strength. One such exercise is standing one-third knee bends, which focus most weight on the uninjured leg. This often begins almost immediately after surgery. Other common exercises are stationary bike riding and deep water activities, which limit friction on the surgically repaired knee. These often take place one to two weeks after surgery. Elastic resistance cord exercises often begin approximately eight weeks after surgery. Weight lifting takes place later in the rehabilitation process, often no sooner than 16 weeks after surgery. It is also important to note that patients cannot resume sports that involve pivoting, cutting or jumping for at least four to six months after surgery, depending on the doctor's orders.
Crutches and Braces
Those who undergo microfracture knee surgery often walk on crutches for six to eight weeks after surgery, with only light weight allowed on the injured leg. Knee braces, meanwhile, are occasionally (but rarely) recommended for those with chondral defects of the femur or tibia.
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