Walking After Micro-Fracture Surgery

Patients who undergo microfracture surgery must wait six to eight weeks before walking.

Microfracture surgery repairs damaged cartilage in an individual's knee. Doctors use microfracture surgery to help some patients avoid a partial or total knee replacement, according to C. Benjamin Ma of the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Preparation

Patients of microfracture surgery use a continuous passive motion machine starting right after surgery and continuing for up to six weeks. Patients may also use a stationary bike, according to the Steadman Clinic's website.

Walking

Patients recovering from microfracture surgery must wait six to eight weeks before fully walking. Patients must use crutches to move around during this time.

Quicker Recovery

Patients with a smaller area requiring repair may put weight on their leg "a few weeks sooner," according to the Steadman Clinic's website.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Knee Microfracture Surgery
• Steadman Clinic: Microfracture Technique -- Recovery; 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Medline Plus: Knee Microfracture Surgery; A.D.A.M. Editorial Team; May 25, 2010