Microfracture — / BioCartilage of Femoral Condyle

Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT · Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C

Weight-Bearing

NWB x6 weeks; WB 50%/week from 6 weeks to full WB at 8 weeks

Key Restrictions

NWB x6 weeks; brace locked in extension x1 week then unlocked 0-90° for WB x6 weeks; no OKC quad strength; no squat >90° in early WB; running treadmill from 12 weeks; plyos and outdoor running 18 weeks-6 months; MD clearance for impact/sport-specific after 6 months

Timeline & Phases

5 phases: Phase I (0-6 wks, NWB, brace locked 1 wk then unlocked 0-90°, UBE only), Phase II (6-8 wks, WB 50%/wk to full at 8 wks, CKC begins), Phase III (8-12 wks, normalize gait, wall sits/mini squats, unilateral balance), Phase IV (12 wks-6 months, treadmill running 12 wks, plyos and outdoor running 18 wks-6 months), Phase V (6-12 months, MD clearance, return to sport)

Notes

References Dr. Brian Cole and Marc Sherry PT DPT LAT CSCS (UW Health Sports Medicine); protocol includes patellofemoral precaution note (avoid OKC strength, CKC to 90° only); post-activity soreness should resolve within 24 hrs; MD clearance required for impact and sport-specific activity after 6 months

Surgeon / Author

Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C