Cartilage Procedure — Microfracture (Patellofemoral)

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division

Weight-Bearing

WBAT (D/C crutches when gait normal); brace 0-20° x 6 weeks

Key Restrictions

Brace locked 0-20° x 6 weeks; no resisted closed/open chain exercises x 6 weeks; no contact sports until 6 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): CPM 8hrs/day, WBAT; Phase II (2-4 wks): no extensor lag, no effusion; Phase III (4-6 wks): full AROM; Phase IV (6-8 wks): D/C brace, normal gait; Phase V (8-12 wks): walk 2 miles; Phase VI (3-4 months): run 2 miles; Phase VII (4-6 months): return to all activities

Notes

Patellofemoral variant; WBAT but brace restricted to 0-20° x 6 weeks; no resisted CKC/OKC x 6 weeks

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division