Potential pitfall in the microfracturing technique during the arthroscopic treatment of an osteochondral lesion

Abstract

Debridement and bone marrow stimulation of the subchondral bone is currently considered to be the primary surgical treatment of most osteochondral lesions of the talus. Different methods of bone marrow stimulation are used, including drilling, abrasion, and microfracturing. The latter has gained recent popularity. In this technical note we describe a potential pitfall in the microfracturing technique. The microfracture awl can easily create small bony particles on retrieval of the probe that may stay behind in the joint. It is emphasized that the joint should be carefully inspected and flushed at the end of each procedure, in order to prevent leaving behind any loose bony particles. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.