Microfracture — Distal Femoral and Proximal Tibial Microfracture

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center · J. Baumfeld, MD; M. Lemos, MD; K. DelPaine, PT

Weight-Bearing

NWB → TTWB → WBAT

Key Restrictions

NWB with crutches 0-2 wks; TTWB + brace locked in extension 2-6 wks; no resisted closed/open chain exercises x 6 wks; no impact activities until 12 wks; no return to sports until 6 months; limit knee flexion with strengthening to 45 deg; avoid deep flexion loading

Timeline & Phases

Phase I 0-6 wks (NWB/TTWB/ROM/quad control); Phase II 6-12 wks (WBAT/progressive strength/balance); Phase III 12+ wks (progressive resistance/functional); months 3-4 (agility/plyometrics); no RTS until 6 months post-op

Notes

Tibiofemoral microfracture; fibrocartilage formation goal; larger or weight-bearing lesions progress more slowly; CPM optional; stationary bike used early for ROM (high seat, no resistance)

Surgeon / Author

J. Baumfeld, MD; M. Lemos, MD; K. DelPaine, PT

Published

2014-02