when do I walk again painfree?

[motordoug]

I had microfracture knee surgery 12 weeks ago, and I still cannot walk without the aid of crutches.  My muscle is atrophying, so I feel I am getting farther and farther away from recovery.  My doctor doesn't want me in PT for strength building for another 4 weeks.  I am worried about my thigh muscle. Especially 4 weeks from now because of the condition it is in now.  Is this characteristic of my surgery?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
For optimal re-growth of joint surface, the you need to be very patient and also extremely cooperative. After the surgery patients usually need to be on crutches for 4-6 weeks or sometimes longer. Sometimes a brace is needed. This all depends on the size and location of the joint surface defect that is being repaired or regenerated. The patients should also spend approximately 6-8 hours a day on a continuous Passive Motion machine that helps with optimal re-growth of joint surface. Patients usually feel pretty good and think they can avoid these critically important steps, and even start running and jumping before the internal aspects of the knee, and the joint surface are ready.Healing also depends on the severity of the cartilage damage and any other conditions existing in the knee.You need not worry and follow up ypur doctor regularly.
Best

[motordoug]

Thank you for your reply to when will I walk again: My defect was on my bone under the kneecap.  My doctor said that it was a hole the size of the end of his pinkie finger..he is an average size.  I faithfully used the CPM for three weeks postop for six hours a day and put no weight on my knee for six weeks. During that time, I used a scooter to get around my house, then I began crutches continuously. Today is twelve weeks postop, and I cannot walk without the aid of crutches because of unstableness and pain.  My "good knee" is now causing me pain and my underarm on my good side constantly burns. I have not felt well enough to do anything physical besides ride my aerodyne bike and do non-weight bearing exercises given to me to do at home by my PT (all doctors orders).  I do get lots of physical exercise struggling with crutches. I do not see my doctor again until June 18th.