Ankle cartilage damage can turn everyday movement into a source of constant pain. Because cartilage has no direct blood supply, it doesn't heal well on its own once it's injured. At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, our foot and ankle specialists use microfracture surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates the body's own healing response, to repair damaged cartilage and restore joint function.
Microfracture surgery is an arthroscopic procedure used to treat cartilage damage in the ankle joint, often caused by an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope along with specialized instruments through tiny incisions to access the joint.
Using a sharp tool called an awl, the surgeon creates several small holes, or microfractures, in the bone just beneath the damaged cartilage. This releases blood and stem cells from the bone marrow into the joint, forming a clot that gradually develops into fibrocartilage. While fibrocartilage isn't identical to the joint's original cartilage, it acts as a durable cushioning layer that can relieve pain and restore smoother joint movement.
Microfracture surgery is typically recommended for patients with:
Many patients are surprised to learn how significant their cartilage damage is, especially if a prior provider attributed their symptoms only to a soft tissue sprain. A thorough evaluation, including MRI imaging, helps determine whether microfracture surgery or another treatment approach is the right fit.
Microfracture surgery is performed arthroscopically, which means smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and typically a faster recovery than open surgery. In many cases, it can be combined with other procedures performed at the same time, such as repairing a damaged tendon or addressing ankle instability, so patients can treat multiple sources of pain in a single surgery.
Recovery timelines vary based on the extent of the cartilage damage and whether additional procedures were performed. In general, patients can expect a period of limited weight-bearing followed by a gradual return to activity, guided by physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and stability. Your surgeon will provide a recovery plan tailored to your specific procedure and goals.
Many patients regain the ability to walk, exercise, and participate in activities they had previously given up because of pain.
Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating complex ankle conditions, including cartilage damage that may have been missed or undertreated elsewhere. We take a thorough, individualized approach to every case, starting with a complete review of your imaging and history to build a treatment plan aimed at long-term relief, not just symptom management.
If chronic ankle pain has limited your activity, or a previous diagnosis hasn't led to lasting relief, our foot and ankle specialists can help determine whether microfracture surgery or another treatment is right for you.
Schedule a consultation with a Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush foot and ankle specialist today to find a treatment plan built around your goals.