Micro-Fracture of an Osteochondral Lesion

Knee Microfracture Physiotherapy in Singapore

Knee microfracture surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat cartilage damage in the knee, often caused by osteochondral lesions. The surgery stimulates new cartilage growth, helping reduce pain and improve joint function.

Physiotherapy is a critical part of recovery, ensuring the new cartilage heals properly while restoring strength and mobility.

If you are looking for knee microfracture physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help. We provide structured rehabilitation programmes designed to protect your knee and guide you safely back to daily activity and sport.

What is an osteochondral lesion?

An osteochondral lesion is damage to the cartilage surface of a joint, often involving both cartilage and the underlying bone.

In the knee, this can occur between:

• Femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone)
• Femur and patella (kneecap)

People often search for this as:

• cartilage damage in knee
• knee cartilage tear symptoms
• knee pain with clicking or locking

How does cartilage damage happen?

Cartilage damage may result from:

• Sports injuries or trauma
• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Wear and tear over time
• Previous knee injuries or surgery

Common symptoms

Osteochondral lesions and cartilage damage can cause:

• Knee pain (especially during weight-bearing)
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Clicking or locking
• Feeling that the knee gives way
• Reduced range of motion

Many people describe:

• knee pain when walking or climbing stairs
• knee clicking and pain
• knee feels unstable when walking

What is knee microfracture surgery?

Knee microfracture is an arthroscopic (keyhole) procedure.

During surgery:

• Small holes are created in the bone beneath damaged cartilage
• Bone marrow cells are released
• These cells form new cartilage-like tissue

This new cartilage helps:

• Reduce pain
• Improve joint movement
• Protect the joint

Physiotherapy before knee microfracture surgery

Pre-surgery physiotherapy improves recovery outcomes.

At ACE Physio Sports, pre-operative rehab focuses on:

• Strengthening surrounding muscles
• Maintaining knee mobility
• Improving overall fitness
• Preparing the knee for surgery

This helps ensure smoother and faster recovery.

Symptoms after knee microfracture surgery

After surgery, it is normal to experience:

• Pain and swelling
• Limited knee movement
• Stiffness
• Reduced strength

You may:

• Use crutches for up to 6 weeks
• Be non-weight bearing or partially weight bearing
• Use a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine

Many people describe:

• difficulty bending the knee after surgery
• pain when putting weight on the knee

Physiotherapy after knee microfracture surgery

Physiotherapy is essential to protect the healing cartilage and restore knee function.

At ACE Physio Sports, rehabilitation is structured and progressive.

Early stage (0–4 weeks)

Focus:

• Protect cartilage healing
• Reduce pain and swelling

Treatment includes:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Quadriceps activation
• Patella mobilisation
• Non-weight bearing or partial weight-bearing training
• Strengthening surrounding joints (hip, ankle)

Mid-stage (4–8 weeks)

Focus:

• Improve mobility and strength
• Begin weight-bearing

Treatment includes:

• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Range of motion progression
• Balance and proprioception training
• Gait retraining
• Low-impact cardio (cycling, swimming)

Progressive stage (8–12 weeks)

Focus:

• Restore full function

Treatment includes:

• Advanced strengthening
• Full weight-bearing activities
• Functional movement training
• Endurance exercises

Advanced stage (3–6 months)

Focus:

• Return to sport and higher-level activity

Treatment includes:

• Plyometric and agility exercises
• Sport-specific training
• Functional testing
• Injury prevention strategies

Many people ask about knee microfracture recovery time, which is typically:

• Daily activity: 6–8 weeks
• Full recovery: 3–6 months+

What should you avoid after surgery?

Avoid:

• Early weight-bearing beyond guidance
• High-impact activity too soon
• Twisting or pivoting movements
• Ignoring swelling or pain
• Skipping physiotherapy

Protecting the healing cartilage is critical for success.

Recovery and long-term outlook

Knee microfracture surgery can significantly improve symptoms, but outcomes depend heavily on rehabilitation.

Without proper physiotherapy, you may experience:

• Poor cartilage healing
• Persistent pain
• Reduced knee function
• Increased risk of further damage

Consistent physiotherapy ensures the best possible recovery.

Why choose ACE Physio Sports?

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide physiotherapy for knee cartilage injuries, post-surgical rehab, and return-to-sport recovery.

Patients choose us because we focus on:

• structured rehabilitation programmes
• protecting cartilage healing
• restoring strength and mobility
• safe return to activity and sport
• long-term knee health
• local physiotherapy care in Singapore
• convenient access near East Coast Road

If you are looking for knee microfracture physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help.

Book Appointment

If you are recovering from knee microfracture surgery or have cartilage damage, physiotherapy is essential for safe recovery and long-term knee health.

ACE Physio Sports provides physiotherapy in Singapore for knee surgery, cartilage injuries, and rehabilitation.

Call: +65 81535374 Website: acephysiosport.com Email: admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your appointment today to start your recovery.