Microfracture surgery due to a lack of studies on the long-term effects and the fact that an unsuccessful surgery could end an athlete's career. Dr. Steadman has also adapted the surgery into a treatment to help reattach torn ligaments (a technique he calls the "healing response") The surgery is performed by arthroscopy, after the joint is cleaned of calcified cartilage. Through use of an awl, the surgeon creates tiny fractures in the subchondral bone plate. Blood and bone marrow (which contains stem cells) seep out of the fractures, creating a blood clot that releases cartilage-building cells. The microfractures are treated as an
Arthroscopy Association of North America continuing medical education for arthroscopic practitioners which providers can use toward their CME. Over sixteen thousand physicians have attended the Metcalf Arthroscopy meeting event since its inception in 1978. Arthroscopy Association of North America The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is an Accredited Council for Continuing Medical Education approved organization which exists to promote, encourage, support and foster through continuing medical education functions, the development and dissemination of knowledge in the discipline of arthroscopic surgery. This is done to improve on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculo-skeletal system. The objectives of AANA are met