Arthroscopic knee surgery is becoming a more and more popular knee treatment method.  Here is information on using arthroscopy to regenerate knee cartilage.

Knee microfracture surgery or knee cartilage regeneration is a method used to repair damaged cartilage.  This method of orthopedic knee surgery can be used in some instances instead of necessitating a full or partial knee replacement surgery.   It can also be used to relieve the pain associated from knee cartilage injuries, knee arthritis in its early stage, lesions on the knee cap and degenerative chondral lesions of the knee.

Simply put, it is cartilage that helps to cushion the bones in the joints.

This type of knee surgery is minimally invasive with only one small incision being made to the affected knee.  this small incision, usually only a quarter of an inch long is made and an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint.  This apparatus allows the surgeon to see inside the joint using a micro camera and to work directly on the problem.  It is another type of arthroscopic knee surgery. 

Using an awl, a tool a bit like an ice-pick, the orthopedic specialist drills a series of tiny holes or "microfractures" directly into the bone surrounding the problem cartilage.  These tiny fractures causes the body to make new cartilage to replace the defective cartilage by causing bone marrow to seep from the microfractures that creates a blood clot.  This blood clot releases cells that rebuild cartilage.

Once the procedure has been completed knee surgery recovery is relatively fast with most patients being able to participate in sports and other strenuous and intense pastimes in around four months.
 
Physical therapy of the knee commences immediately the surgery is completed, usually in the recovery room, where a continuous passive motion machine is used to gently flex and extend the leg.  This CPM machine is used for periods up to 8 hours per day for a few weeks after surgery.  It is sometimes used while the patient is sleeping.  This sort of knee therapy is thought to sped up the cartilage regeneration process.

 
For the first six to eight weeks the knee joint should not be subject to any load bearing and so crutches are needed to assist with mobility.

Like any surgery there are risks like excessive bleeding and infection.  With proper care these are minimal.
Using microfracture surgery causes new cartilage to develop.  However, this new cartilage is not as durable as the original cartilage and has been known to break down after a few years.   The patient can also be left with increased stiffness in the knee joint.

Combining of arthroscopic knee surgery and microfracture knee surgery is becoming a recognised method of rebuilding cartilage.

Kerry Northey

Panthers look to Allen’s return from microfracture knee surgery.

The 29-year-old played only two games last season before he had to go for microfracture surgery on a knee, which caused him to miss the rest of the 2008-09 campaign. 

Microfracture Knee Surgery

Cartilage damage can lead to chronic knee pain. Athletes with this problem can benefit by microfracture surgery.  

Micro Fracture Surgery Versus Stem Cells

A physician compares the results of micro fracture for a knee cartilage lesion to stem cell injection. … It’s a brilliant advance over arthroscopic debridement (surgeries where cartilage is simply “cleaned up” by cutting it out). I think that in the future we may see stem cells placed in the joint after micro fracture surgery to aid healing and we’ll also see many non-surgical, stem cell based, injection options like the Regenexx procedure. 

Gregg’s Micro Fracture Surgery

It marked Gregg’s first regular-season game back on the field after missing last season when he underwent microfracture knee surgery. "It’s good to be back," Gregg said. "I was down and out. 

Did Cofield Have Microfracture Knee Surgery?

In the wake of New York Giants defensive lineman Fred Robbins’ disclosure that he had microfracture knee surgery before later removing the information from his blog.

Robbins needed microfracture surgery

He had microfracture knee surgery, which is a much more serious procedure than the scope that Cofield had. Robbins revealed the nature of his surgery on his own website. 

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So you have a damaged knee, orthopedic surgery is looming and you are thinking that locating an orthopaedic surgeon will not be all that easy. You could be right but if you follow these six simple steps then you’ll find that it’s really easier than you think.

Step1. Discuss your needs with your local GP.  With their knowledge and experience they should be able to recommend an experienced knee specialist.

Step 2. These days there are many common conditions, like for instance arthritis, knee surgery,  etc, that require orthopedic surgery.  Check with friends, neighbours and co-workers and see if any of them have had the need to use an orthopedist.  Find out what they thought and, if you are happy with what you discover, get the knee surgeon’s details.

Step3. There are several databases online where you can check out orthopedic surgeon information.  Two notable websites are The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.  These institutions have online databases that are readily accessible.  In addition there are other web based databases that allow you to find out more about your doctor.

Step 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  .

• Ask about the credentials of your orthopedic doctor Don’t be afraid to ask abot the knee surgery cost.
• Are there videos or information booklets available about the proposed surgery?
• Can you expect to return to full mobility after the surgery?  If not about what level of mobility is expected?
• How many operations of this type has the orthopedic specialist performed?
• Is the surgeon Board Certified?
• Are there many of this type of surgery performed at the particular hospital each year?  About how many?
• What have been the outcomes of surgery performed at this clinic?
• Are there any risks involved in the surgery and what is the likelihood of them.
• Will the knee surgery be performed under local or general anaesthetic?  What type of anesthesia is to be used? Does this pose any risk?
• What type of prosthesis will be used? How has this performed in the past?
• I am taking medication at present.  WIll I have to stop them before the surgery?
• Will it be necessary to have a blood transfusion and are there any alternatives?
• What is the usual period of hospitization after the surgery?
• Can I expect much knee joint pain after the orthopedic procedure and how much?  Will pain medication be available?
• When will I start physical therapy? Will I need home or outpatient therapy?
• Will home assistance be necessary and for how long?
• How long will the knee surgery recovery be and when will I be able to drive?  What about other activities like bathing, climbing stairs, eating, sex?
• When will I be able to return to work?
• Will follow up visits the orthopedic surgeon be necessay and how frequently?
• What complications could develop post surgery? What signs should I look out for?

Step 5. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.

Step 6. Trust your instincts.  If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular surgeon, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.  Try to find one that is not only experienced and well regarded but one that you also have confidence in.

By following these simple guidelines you should be able to find an orthopedic surgeon to perform your surgery, whether it is knee surgery, lower back or hip surgery or in fact, any orthopedic surgery.

Specialist Orthopedic Surgeons in Singapore

The team of specialists at Orthopaedics International has been serving the orthopaedic needs of the community since 1993.  Whether you have an athletic injury, painful arthritis or need a joint replacement, we will help our patients return to their active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

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