Microfracture / Cartilage Repair
A minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to stimulate cartilage regeneration in damaged areas of the knee — reducing pain and restoring smoother joint movement.
What is Microfracture / Cartilage Repair?
Microfracture surgery is a minimally invasive arthroscopic knee procedure used to treat cartilage damage in the knee joint. The knee cartilage is a smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones and allows the joint to move without friction. When it becomes damaged — through sports injuries, trauma, or degeneration — it can expose the underlying bone, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. The microfracture technique stimulates the body's own healing response by creating small controlled perforations in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage area. This releases bone marrow cells and growth factors that migrate into the defect and form a fibrocartilage repair tissue, reducing symptoms and improving joint function.
SUITABLE FOR Patients with knee cartilage damage or cartilage tears causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or catching — particularly those with focal cartilage defects — where conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative MRI Assessment
MRI determines the location, size, and depth of cartilage damage to confirm the microfracture approach and plan the procedure; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Arthroscopic Access
Small keyhole incisions are made; an arthroscope is inserted to visualise the damaged cartilage and surrounding joint surfaces under magnification.
Debridement of Damaged Cartilage
Unstable or damaged cartilage is removed to create a clean, stable base — preparing the defect site for effective bone marrow stimulation.
Microfracture Technique
Tiny perforations are made in the underlying bone using specialised instruments, releasing bone marrow cells and growth factors into the cartilage defect to stimulate regeneration.
Joint Assessment
The treated area and overall joint movement are checked to confirm that the repair site is clean and no cartilage debris remains within the joint.
Wound Closure & Rehabilitation
Instruments are removed, incisions are closed; a structured physiotherapy programme begins to support new cartilage development and restore knee function.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Stimulates the body's own cartilage regeneration using bone marrow cells
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Minimally invasive arthroscopic technique — small incisions and faster recovery
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Reduces knee pain and stiffness caused by cartilage damage
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Improves joint movement and reduces catching or locking sensations
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Can be combined with meniscus or ligament treatment in the same procedure
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Physiotherapy after surgery supports new tissue maturation and long-term joint health
“Microfracture is a well-proven technique for stimulating cartilage repair. For patients with focal cartilage defects, this procedure can significantly reduce pain and improve knee function — giving the joint the biological environment it needs to heal.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
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 indicative average cost of around ₹1,30,000. Microfracture and other cartilage procedures may be considered for selected patients with focal cartilage defects of the knee, particularly when symptoms are related to a localised area of cartilage damage. The final cost depends on the size and location of the cartilage defect, surgical technique, associated knee conditions and postoperative rehabilitation requirements.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures | ₹80,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
The above range is indicative; the final package and inclusions should be confirmed with the hospital before publication. Microfracture is generally considered for selected focal cartilage defects, and suitability depends on factors such as defect size and location, cartilage condition, age, alignment, activity requirements and associated knee problems
Factors Affecting the Cost of Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures
The overall cost of Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures can vary depending on the size and location of the cartilage defect, condition of the surrounding joint, surgical approach, associated procedures and rehabilitation requirements.
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Cartilage defect characteristics: The size, depth, location and number of cartilage defects can influence surgical planning and the complexity of treatment.
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Knee joint condition: The presence of arthritis, meniscus damage, ligament problems or other joint abnormalities may affect whether microfracture is appropriate and whether additional treatment is required.
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Surgical technique: Arthroscopic evaluation and treatment may involve specialised instruments and operating-room requirements that contribute to the overall procedure cost.
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Associated procedures: Meniscus treatment, ligament procedures, debridement or other cartilage treatments may be performed during the same surgery when clinically appropriate and can increase the final cost.
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Preoperative investigations: X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and other investigations may be recommended to assess cartilage damage and plan treatment. These may be billed separately when not included in the package.
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Anaesthesia and hospitalisation: Anaesthesia, operating-room charges, medicines, nursing care and hospitalisation may contribute to the overall cost according to the hospital's package structure.
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Rehabilitation: Cartilage procedures may require a structured rehabilitation programme, including restrictions on weight-bearing and gradual restoration of movement and strength. Physiotherapy costs may be separate from the surgical package.
Insurance Coverage for Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures
Microfracture / Cartilage Procedures may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the patient's policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods, insurer approval and hospital coverage arrangements. Patients should confirm pre-authorisation requirements and applicable coverage with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with focal cartilage defects and other knee conditions and help determine whether microfracture or another cartilage treatment is appropriate based on symptoms, clinical examination and imaging findings. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee symptoms: The doctor may review pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, locking and activity-related discomfort associated with the cartilage defect. Cartilage defect: The location, size and severity of cartilage damage may be assessed using clinical findings and imaging to determine whether a cartilage-preserving procedure may be appropriate. Imaging findings: X-rays and MRI scans may be reviewed to evaluate cartilage, bone, menisci, ligaments and other structures within the knee. Meniscus and ligament condition: The condition of the menisci and major knee ligaments may be assessed because associated injuries can influence treatment planning and rehabilitation. Knee alignment: Leg alignment may be evaluated because abnormal loading across the knee can affect symptoms and the suitability of cartilage procedures. Previous treatment: Physiotherapy, medicines, injections, activity modification and previous procedures may be discussed along with the patient's response. Treatment suitability: Based on the overall findings, the doctor may discuss microfracture, other cartilage procedures, non-surgical treatment or alternative surgical options when clinically appropriate.
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