title: Microfracture of Articular Cartilage.
abstract: Microfracture is a treatment option for symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects. Microfracture is most likely to be successful when performed in nonobese patients under the age of thirty years for small (<2 to 4-cm2) femoral condylar defects that have been symptomatic for a short time (less than twelve to twenty-four months). Microfracture has acceptable short-term clinical results, but results can be expected to decline over time. Long-term studies that compare microfracture with advanced cartilage restoration techniques are required to ascertain whether these newer techniques provide longer-lasting results.
authors.affiliation: OSU Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Sommerfeldt
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Magnussen
authors.forename: Timothy E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.forename: Christopher C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Kaeding
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Flanigan
mesh_terms: D002357:Cartilage Diseases; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D005269:Femur; D015775:Fractures, Stress; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries; D007719:Knee Joint