Can anyone explain exactly what this procedure involves?

I had a knee op last year which was supposed to be a simple cartliage clean up op but turned out to be a microfracture. Now the microfracture surgery appears to be failing and there was talk of a reconstruction if that happens.

Obviously I will be meeting with the specialist but wondered if anyone has been through it and whats involved?

might i suggest you post this on the sinbin p'raps, theres quite a few ppl who've traded knee injury stories on there in the past. plus a couple of medicos as well who may be able to help you.

noted. ta

You should talk to Walterwizard about microfractures - he's an expert!

haha

I had a microfracture on my left knee in November, which touch wood is coming along nicely.

I am now waiting to have a microfracture on my right knee once my left knee is strong enough!!!

I hope you have success with your knee problems wirefan, I certainly know what you are going through!!!

I had a knee reconstruction 10 years ago after a cruciate ligament injury.
The torn ligament is repaired by taking a graft from the patella tendon (front of knee) which is then threaded into the middle of the knee using keyhole surgery.
The graft has a block of bone on either end which is pinned in place with 2 screws and hey presto, replacement ligament.
Sounds a bit different from what you're talking about though Wirefan.
Had no problems with the ligament since. Had other issues as a result of the long term damage after injury but the knee was possibly even stronger after the op.
If you want to discuss further pm me.

I had mine done last May, a newer and supposedly better way is to use a graft from your hamstring as the repairing material. It helps speed up the healing process and is meant to be a better finished job. Had it done at Wrightington Hospital which specialises in orthapaedic operations. PM me if you want any more info.

I'm having a knee decompression? Do I win a prize?

i twisted my knee tearing the meniscus cartilage inside my knee i had 3 operations due to the first 2 not working (can be quite common) and had it all stitched up i now walk with a slight limp. It took me almost two years to recover from it.

I had an arthroscopy and my knee doesn't give me any real jip unless i put it under real heavy stress, running on hard surfaces is a big no no and the recovery process is slow and tedious but on the plus side my quads are bigger than mark hughes and roberto carlos combined.

problems are:-
1.similar to arthritis, when it's cold it hurts
2. walk with slight limp (cause of much mickey taking)
3. limits certain exercise (i'll never be a runner)
4. clicking noise (just irritating)
5. has a tendency to 'give' every once in a while
6. physio takes forever (years)

I can't really give much more detail after that because it was nearly 10 years ago.