Cartilage Restoration — Microfracture — Femoral Condyle / Patella / Trochlear Groove

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

Femoral condyle: NWB 6 wks; Patella/Trochlear groove: NWB 6-8 wks

Key Restrictions

CPM 6-8 hrs/day; lesion-specific WB and CPM rules (FC vs patella/trochlear groove); strict NWB during cartilage maturation phase; no impact until 4-6 months

Timeline & Phases

Stage 1 (0-6 wks): NWB, CPM 6-8 hrs/day, ROM, quad sets, SLR; Stage 2 (6-12 wks): progressive WB per lesion location, stationary bike, pool; Stage 3 (3-6 mo): full WB, strengthening, elliptical; Stage 4 (6-12 mo): running progression, sport-specific, return to sport

Notes

Lesion location (femoral condyle vs patella/trochlear groove) determines specific WB and ROM restrictions; CPM critical for fibrocartilage formation; progression similar to ACI but shorter overall timeline. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2025-02-16.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine