Microfracture Rehabilitation Protocols

7 Microfracture rehabilitation protocols from 6 institutions, published 2014–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
iOrtho — Femoral Condyle / Patella / Trochlear Groove	FC lesions: TTWB (20-30%) x6-8 wks; PTG lesions: PWB (50%) x2 wks then WBAT; FWB Phase II	No impact exercises; avoid pivoting; no stair-master; no open chain knee extension for PTG lesions
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Distal Femoral and Proximal…	NWB → TTWB → WBAT	NWB with crutches 0-2 wks; TTWB + brace locked in extension 2-6 wks; no resisted closed/open chain exercises…
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT — /…	NWB x6 weeks; WB 50%/week from 6 weeks to full WB at 8 weeks	NWB x6 weeks; brace locked in extension x1 week then unlocked 0-90° for WB x6 weeks; no OKC quad strength; no…
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) — Femoral…	Lesion-size-dependent: small lesion (<2cm2) NWB in brace 1-4 wks then wean to FWB in…	Brace locked in extension for ambulation per lesion size; wean from TROM brace Phase II; small lesion avoid…
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)…	Structured WB progression in locked brace: wk1 25% BW, wk2 50% BW, wk3 75% BW, wk4…	No active NWB knee extension exercises Phase I; wean from TROM brace Phase II; ROM schedule: wk1 0-90, wk2…
UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports Medicine…	NWB x 4 wks; 50% WB wks 4-6; FWB at 6 wks; exception: WBAT at 1-2 wks for…	CPM 8 hrs/day full ROM for 4 wks; brace locked at 0° for all WB until 8 wks; no CKC exercises until 6 wks…
UW Health Sports Medicine — Procedure - Knee	FC lesion: NWB 0-2 wks → TDWB 3-4 wks → WBAT 5-6 wks; PF lesion: TDWB 0-2 wks → WBAT 3-6…	Axillary crutches 6 weeks; PF lesions: locked knee brace 6 weeks; ROM exercises 4-8 hrs/day in Phase I (CPM)…