Arthroscopic microfrature for articular cartilage damage of the knee / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To analyze the characteristics of articular cartilage lesions in knees and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of microfracture technique under arthroscopy for articular carrtilage lesions.[Method]A total of seventy-nine patients with articular cartilage lesions were treated with the microfracture technique.Thirty-eight patients were males and forty-one were female,with the mean age of 38.3 years(15~57years).The averaged preoperative duration of symptoms was 11 months(3~23 months).After preparation of the lesion,used an arthroscopic awl to make multiple holes,results in microfracture holes approximately 3mm apart and the depth approximately 3 mm.[Result]A total of 131 articular cartilage lesions were found in Seventy-nine patients,for an average of 1.6 lesions per case.The main lesion was found on the medial femoral condyle in 33.6% and the patella in 22.1%;60.3% of lesions were grade Ⅳ according to Modified Outerbridge Scale;In 43.5% of the lesions the total area was from 1~2 cm2.Seventy-three patients were followed up for 17 months in average(10~33 months).At the time of the latest follow-up,79.7% of patients were satisfied with the results.According to Lysholm knee evaluation system,the mean scores was improved from 43 points preoperative to 88 points postoperative.[Conclusion]Arthroscopic microfrature is simple and effective to repair of articular cartilage lesions of knee joint.This method can release pain and improve joint function.