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Articular Cartilage Problems - Drilling/Microfracture

Articular cartilage isa firm rubberytissue that coversthe ends of bones.It provides asmooth glidingsurface for jointsand acts as acushion betweenbones.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Brian Cole • 1611 W. Harrison Street • Suite 400 • Chicago, IL 60612 • 708.236.2701

www.briancolemd.com

Removal of Damaged Cartilage IntroductionArticular cartilage is a firm rubbery tissue that covers the ends ofbones. It provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as acushion between bones.

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When the Procedure is PerformedCartilage can break down due to overuse or injury. This can leadto pain and swelling and problems with your joint. Your treatmentwill depend on the size of the defect and the judgment of yoursurgeon.

IncisionsSmall incisions (portals) are made around the joint. The scope andsurgical instruments will go into these incisions.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Brian Cole • 1611 W. Harrison Street • Suite 400 • Chicago, IL 60612 • 708.236.2701

www.briancolemd.com

VisualizationThe scope is inserted into the knee. Saline solution flows through atube (cannula) and into the knee to expand the joint and toimprove visualization. The image is sent to a video monitor wherethe surgeon can see inside the joint.

Cartilage RemovalThe damaged cartilage is removed from the joint using aspecialized surgical instrument.

MicrofractureAfter the damaged cartilage is removed, a drill or pick is used tomake small holes in the exposed bone. Making these small holeswill help heal the damaged area, thus the term"drilling/microfracture".

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Brian Cole • 1611 W. Harrison Street • Suite 400 • Chicago, IL 60612 • 708.236.2701

www.briancolemd.com

End of ProcedureAfter the drilling is finished, the surgical instruments are removedand the procedure is completed.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Brian Cole • 1611 W. Harrison Street • Suite 400 • Chicago, IL 60612 • 708.236.2701