Open AccessPotential pitfall in the microfracturing technique during the arthroscopic treatment of an osteochondral lesion
Author(s) -
Bergen Christiaan J. A.,
Leeuw Peter A. J.,
Dijk C. Niek
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.806
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1433-7347
pISSN - 0942-2056
DOI - 10.1007/s00167-008-0594-y
Subject(s) - subchondral bone , abrasion (mechanical) , medicine , surgery , debridement (dental) , lesion , articular cartilage , materials science , pathology , alternative medicine , composite material , osteoarthritis
Debridement and bone marrow stimulation of the subchondral bone is currently considered to be the primary surgical treatment of most osteochondral lesions of the talus. Different methods of bone marrow stimulation are used, including drilling, abrasion, and microfracturing. The latter has gained recent popularity. In this technical note we describe a potential pitfall in the microfracturing technique. The microfracture awl can easily create small bony particles on retrieval of the probe that may stay behind in the joint. It is emphasized that the joint should be carefully inspected and flushed at the end of each procedure, in order to prevent leaving behind any loose bony particles.