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. 2016 Jun 28;4(6):e6.
doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.15.00005.

Microfracture of Articular Cartilage

Mark F Sommerfeldt  1 , Robert A Magnussen, Timothy E Hewett, Christopher C Kaeding, David C Flanigan
Affiliations

Microfracture of Articular Cartilage

Mark F Sommerfeldt et al. JBJS Rev. .

Abstract

Microfracture is a treatment option for symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects. Microfracture is most likely to be successful when performed in nonobese patients under the age of thirty years for small (<2 to 4-cm2) femoral condylar defects that have been symptomatic for a short time (less than twelve to twenty-four months). Microfracture has acceptable short-term clinical results, but results can be expected to decline over time. Long-term studies that compare microfracture with advanced cartilage restoration techniques are required to ascertain whether these newer techniques provide longer-lasting results.

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