Marrow stimulation and microfracture for the repair of articular cartilage lesions

Abstract

Small full-thickness chondral injuries of the knee can be treated by marrow stimulation techniques. In the United States, the technique used most frequently to address posttraumatic femoral cartilage defects is microfracture arthroplasty. This chapter reviews the history, underlying theory, technique, and outcomes of microfracture and other marrow stimulation techniques. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.