Microfracture Technique for Chronic Unstable Osteochondral Defect of Knee: Case Report

Abstract

Osteochondral fractures of the medial femoral condyle of the knee can be diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. Various techniques of osteochondral defect treatment include fixation, abrasion chondroplasty, drilling, microfracture, autografts, allografts and chondrocyte transplantation. A 37-year-old man presented with persistent left knee pain of about six months duration. Concomitant symptoms included swelling, several episodes of locking and clicking, and a sense of instability especially in walking downstairs. MRI scan revealed an unstable osteochondral lesion about 2 cm in diameter involving the medial femoral condyle. The patient underwent arthroscopic removal of the fragment and microfracturing of the defect on the medial femoral condyle. Postoperatively, he was treated with non-weight bearing for six weeks along with quadriceps strengthening and range of motion (ROM) exercises. The final outcome was good as the patient has returned to his previous activities. Microfracture technique is quite effective with regard to the improvement of daily activities with a favorable impact on pain relief and overall satisfactory functional results.