MedPath

The Effectiveness of the Microfracture Technique in the Meniscal Healing

Recruiting
Conditions
Microfractures
Meniscus Tear
Interventions
Procedure: Microfracture
Registration Number
NCT05799196
Lead Sponsor
Hasanuddin University
Brief Summary

Meniscus injuries are a very common cause of knee pain. The meniscus is a semilunar fibrocartilage structure found on the medial and lateral sides of the knee. The meniscus serves to absorb impact and protect the articular cartilage during weight-bearing activities, joint stability, proprioception, and nutrition. This has a significant effect on knee biomechanics.

After the menisci are injured, the biomechanics of the knee change so that degenerative changes occur more frequently in the tibiofemoral compartment. Improvement of tibiofemoral arthrosis after meniscectomy surgery has been demonstrated in several long-term clinical studies. With increasing awareness of the importance of the meniscus in knee biomechanics, various meniscus repair techniques have been developed. In addition, several adjuvants for healing have been proposed to enhance meniscus healing. However, a study showed the meniscal repair failure rate increased from 22% to 24% at 5 years.

Study found the healing rate of meniscus repair, which was accompanied by ACL repair, had a greater healing rate, 93% vs. 50%. Hemarthrosis that occurs after bony tunneling during ACL reconstruction provides a fibrin clot and an environment rich in factors that promote healing of the newly repaired meniscus. The fibrin clot provides the structural foundation for meniscus healing. Transmission factors, such as fibronectin and growth factors, are also present.

Microfracture is a common procedure used for the treatment of damage to the articular cartilage in the knee. This procedure is used to stimulate the production of fibrocartilage in areas of injured cartilage. Microfractures are performed by creating 1 or more small channels (1 to 3 mm in size) that pierce the subchondral bone and release bone-forming components into the joint. Microfractures serve to promote the formation of fibrocartilage over damaged cartilage. Research in 2016 used an animal model (Capra hircus) to investigate the effectiveness of the microfracture technique on meniscus tear healing rates. They found significant healing in meniscal repair accompanied by microfracture technique (65% vs 12%).

However there is still not enough research regarding the efficacy of microfracture in meniscal healing, especially among Indonesian. Therefore, the investigators aim to investigate its efficacy.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
62
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ConventionalMicrofractureThe patient with meniscus tear would be performed meniscus repair
MicrofractureMicrofractureThe patient with meniscus tear would be performed meniscus repair with additional microfracture
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Healing Rate6 months

Healing Rate, Investigated by MRI and Arthroscopy

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Functional Outcome6 months

Functional Outcome assessed with IKDC Score. The higher the score, the higher the level of function and the lower the level of symptoms. A score of 100 suggests no limitation with activities of daily living or sports activities and the absence of symptoms.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hasanuddin University

🇮🇩

Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath