Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures
Tiny holes are punched into the bone beneath a cartilage defect to summon healing stem cells — generating a fibrocartilage repair that delays joint replacement in young, focal-defect patients.
What is Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures?
Microfracture and related cartilage procedures are arthroscopic biological techniques used to address small, focal full-thickness articular cartilage defects in the knee, ankle and selected other joints. The damaged cartilage edges are debrided to a stable rim, the calcified layer over the bone is removed, and small holes are punched into the underlying subchondral bone with a specialised awl — releasing marrow stem cells that organise into a fibrocartilage scar across the defect. Dr. Hithesh performs microfracture in Hyderabad as a thoughtful joint-preservation option, using the body's own healing biology to delay or prevent eventual joint replacement.
How the Procedure Works
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
Standard portals confirm the focal cartilage defect, assess surrounding cartilage and rule out additional intra-articular pathology requiring treatment.
Defect Debridement
The damaged cartilage edges are precisely debrided to create a stable margin and a clean base for new repair tissue.
Calcified Layer Removal
The thin calcified cartilage layer over the bone is removed using a curette, exposing healthy underlying subchondral bone.
Microfracture Penetration
Small holes are punched 3–4 millimetres apart into the exposed subchondral bone using a specialised awl, releasing marrow elements.
Closure & Rehabilitation
Tiny portals are closed; protected weight-bearing for 6 weeks plus continuous passive motion ensures optimal new fibrocartilage formation.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Joint-preserving option for younger patients with focal cartilage damage
- →Postpones or prevents the need for future joint replacement surgery
- →Three tiny keyhole portals leave minimal cosmetic scarring afterwards
- →Day-care arthroscopic procedure with same-day discharge home easily
- →Uses body's own marrow stem cells for biological repair tissue
- →Cost-effective compared to advanced cell-based or graft cartilage techniques
Microfracture is wonderfully simple but remarkably effective. By tapping into the body's own marrow biology, we can fill a focal cartilage defect with reliable repair tissue — and delay replacement surgery for many years.
— — Dr. Bathini Hithesh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Trauma & Joint Replacement Specialist, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Bathini Hithesh and get a personalised treatment plan.