Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures
Precisely controlled perforations in the bone beneath a cartilage defect trigger the body's natural healing response to grow new cartilage — reducing pain and protecting the joint surface from further progressive damage.
What is Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures?
Microfracture is an arthroscopic technique for focal full-thickness cartilage defects where the underlying bone is perforated with a specialised awl to stimulate marrow element egress into the defect. Blood and mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow fill the void and differentiate into fibrocartilage — a tissue that partially replicates native hyaline cartilage's role in absorbing and distributing load. The technique is most effective for small contained defects in younger patients with appropriate bone quality and alignment. For larger defects, advanced techniques including OATS (osteochondral autograft transfer) provide hyaline cartilage plugs. Dr. Sai Kishan performs cartilage procedures at Lux Hospitals.
Appropriate for young, active patients under 40 with symptomatic full-thickness cartilage defects — typically in the knee — that are well-contained, under 2–4 cm², associated with a stable and well-aligned joint, and where surrounding cartilage is in good condition to contain the marrow clot.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Diagnostic Arthroscopy
Spinal or general anaesthesia; arthroscopy characterises the cartilage defect — its size, depth, borders, and surrounding cartilage quality — before proceeding.
Defect Margin Preparation
A curette and motorised shaver create stable, vertical cartilage walls around the defect margins, providing a contained environment for the marrow clot.
Calcified Cartilage Removal
The calcified cartilage layer at the base of the defect is carefully removed — essential to expose vascular bone and allow marrow elements to enter the defect.
Microfracture Hole Creation
A curved awl creates multiple uniform perforations 3–4 mm apart across the defect floor — blood and marrow elements immediately begin to fill the void.
Closure & Protected Recovery Protocol
Portals are closed; a structured non-weight-bearing and continuous passive motion protocol is prescribed to optimise the biological environment for repair tissue formation.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Stimulates biological cartilage repair using the body's own marrow stem cells
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Arthroscopic technique — day-case keyhole procedure with small incisions
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Reduces the joint pain caused by focal cartilage loss and subchondral bone exposure
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Delays arthritic progression in younger patients with contained focal defects
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Can be performed concurrently with meniscal or ligament procedures when required
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A cost-effective and minimally invasive first-line cartilage treatment option
Cartilage regeneration is one of the most exciting frontiers in joint preservation — the prospect of giving a young patient new cartilage and extending the life of their knee before replacement becomes necessary is genuinely compelling.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,80,000, with an average cost of around ₹1,30,000. The final expense may vary depending on the size and location of the cartilage defect, the condition of the surrounding joint, the procedure performed, associated injuries, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation requirements.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Focal cartilage defect, younger patient | ₹80,000 ₹1,80,000 |
| Associated chondral damage | ₹80,000 ₹1,80,000 |
| Focal chondral defects | ₹80,000 ₹1,80,000 |
Microfracture and other cartilage procedures may be considered for selected focal cartilage defects, particularly when the defect is well-defined and the surrounding joint is suitable for cartilage preservation. The appropriate procedure depends on factors such as defect size, location, cartilage quality, patient age and associated knee conditions.
Factors Affecting Microfracture / Cartilage Procedure Cost
The overall cost depends on the characteristics of the cartilage defect, the treatment technique selected and whether additional procedures are required to address associated knee problems.
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Size, depth and location of the focal cartilage defect within the knee joint
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Condition of the surrounding cartilage and whether there is additional chondral damage
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Patient age, activity level and overall condition of the knee joint
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Whether the cartilage procedure is performed alone or together with treatment for a meniscus or ligament injury
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Arthroscopic equipment and specialised instruments required to access and treat the cartilage defect
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Pre-operative MRI, X-rays and other investigations used to assess the cartilage and underlying joint
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and surgical equipment charges
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Hospitalisation, medications and post-operative monitoring requirements
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Physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation, including activity and weight-bearing restrictions when advised
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Follow-up consultations and any additional treatment required during recovery
Insurance Coverage for Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures
Microfracture or other cartilage procedures performed for a medically necessary joint condition may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with an experienced orthopaedic knee specialist is recommended to evaluate the cartilage defect and determine whether a microfracture or another cartilage procedure is appropriate. At Lux Hospitals, the orthopaedic team can review symptoms, clinical findings and imaging to develop an individualised treatment plan. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or other symptoms associated with cartilage damage History of previous knee injuries, surgeries, sports activity and ongoing functional limitations MRI and X-ray findings to determine the location, size and severity of the cartilage defect Condition of the surrounding cartilage, meniscus, ligaments and other joint structures Whether the defect is suitable for microfracture or another cartilage-preservation procedure Whether associated meniscus or ligament treatment may be required during the same procedure Expected recovery, weight-bearing restrictions, physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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