Consultant Orthopaedic Knee and Trauma Surgeon

Appointments
01733 842 309

  • National Ligament Registry
  • National Joint Registry
  • I want great care
Running Knee Injury

Microfracture

If you have a localised traumatic injury to the articular cartilage lining the knee joint, Mr Clifton may have recommended a procedure called 'Microfracture'. This procedure is used as a first line treatment to try and encourage your bodies own marrow cells to grow and develop into fibrocartilage to plug the gap. It is very successful for the majority of patients but some patients may later require more complex and invasive treatments such a Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation (MACI).

The damaged articular cartilage is resected to create a stable 'bed' using specialised instruments. Microfracture 'pics' are then used to create very precise 2mm holes in the underlying bone to allow the stem cells from your bone marrow to elute and form a marrow clot in the injured cartilage. Over around 12 months this clot matures into fibrocartilage.

Microfracture is more painful than a simple arthroscopy alone and you are often required to not put weight through the joint for a period of 6 to 8 weeks. You will have some swelling after the procedure but no necessarily any more than with a routine knee arthroscopy.

Appointments
01733 842 309    janesj@live.co.uk

TESTIMONIALS

Mr Clifton is always professional and willing to go the extra mile for patients and colleagues.

Written by a patient

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Mr Clifton in particular but also to his whole team for the excellent treatment and aftercare service received following my total knee replacement. It has made a very positive improvement to my mobility. Long may you continue with your first class work.

Written by a patient

Mr Clifton has completed both TKR on me. With out any problems he has a confidence that shines in his work, I can say this as I was awake during both my procedures. He obviously has so much experience and enjoys using his abilities to promote the health of others. I personally had so much confidence in his highly qualified ability and was at ease during my operations. Great sense of humour too, which helped to relax me a lot. Thank you Mr Clifton.

Written by a patient

An excellant service, I was always kept well informed and made to feel safe and well, my new knee feels like it is my own but pain free with almost no signs of the operation scar. I would recommend Mr Clifton to anyone needing surgery and I would not hesitate to have any further surgery carried out by him but hopefully this will never be required.

Written by a patient

Although it is now several weeks since my appointment with Mr Clifton I would like to say how good it was to be treated with respect and as a real person. My treatment was excellent and very successful, saving me a serious operation. I cannot praise Mr Clifton enough.

Written by a patient

Mr Clifton was very attentive at all times and explained the procedure of my operation in great detail and listened to my concerns and questions. He also made me feel at ease in his manner that gave me the confidence to ask questions. As a patient it is very important to feel looked after and Mr Clifton had an extremely warm but professional manner which made me feel that I was in good hands.

Written by a patient