What is micro fracture surgery?

Micro fracture surgery is a common surgical procedure which is reserved for cases where the cartilage inside of a joint has been damaged and is in severe need of repair. This surgical procedure is generally used on the knee joint but can be applied to other joints as well. The cartilage in the areas is incredibly important to the functionality and protection of the joints. The cartilage covers the ends of every bone and protects them from grinding against one another. Once this protection is no longer offered the joints become loose and secondary injuries and symptoms can take place. In cases like this micro fracture surgery might be a suitable option for treatment.

What can be expected during the procedure?

During the procedure three types of anesthesia will be used. The first is a round of painkillers used to numb the region and relax the patient. The second is a regional anesthetic used to numb the nerve receptors in the area and inhibit pain signals sent to the brain. The third is general anesthesia which causes the patient to fall asleep and remain asleep during the surgical process, and wake up free from pain.

Once all three types of anesthesia have been used, the Orthopedic Surgeon In Phoenix AZ will use a small mike to make an incision on the joint which is one quarter of an inch in length. A long tube is placed through the cut and on the end of this tube is a camera. This popular medical tool is called and arthroscope. A camera attached to the end of the tube sends video images in real time to the video monitors in the operating room. This allows the orthopedic surgeon to literally see inside of the joint and work around it. Once the Orthopedic Surgeon Phoenix identifies the problem area they will make an additional surgical cut through which microscopic tools are passed. One tool is a pointed tool used to make a hole inside of the bone. This hole is made near the damaged cartilage. The damaged cartilage and the holes which are created are referred to as micro fractures. These small holes will release cells inside of your body specifically inside of your bones which will help to rebuild the cartilage around your joint and naturally replace the damaged tissue.

This type of medical procedures performed on patients who have damage to the cartilage directly under their kneecap. People who have severe damage to the knee cartilage which cannot be replaced through nonsurgical treatment methods can qualify for micro fracture surgery. The goal of such a procedure is to prevent further damage to the cartilage while also preventing secondary arthritis from developing. This procedure can be performed on patients who require partial or total knee replacement surgery as a way to offset the need for such a severe operation. People who have sustained cartilage injuries might also utilize this procedure as their surgical treatment method.

Are there potential complications?

The micro fracture surgery can break down the cartilage with time. The new cartilage created through the surgical process may not have the same level of strength as the original cartilage which can increase the stiffness in your joints.

To learn more about micro fracture surgery, contact the top orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix today.