The Illustrative Marrow Stimulation Techniques for Cartilage Repair: The Microfracture Technique

Cartilage lesions can occur as a result of an acute injury (i.e., chondral fracture from shear and/or compression forces) or following a repetitive microtrauma during sporting activities. Some studies have shown that the chondral lesions are present in approximately 60% of knee arthroscopies, usually coexisting with the other pathologies [1]. One of the most common coexisting pathology is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, where the cartilage lesion acts as a source of a continuing pain and a gradual cartilage degeneration takes place [2].