Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Following Microfracture Surgery for Osteochondritis Dissecans in a Collegiate Athlete

Abstract

A 19-year-old college football wide receiver (height: 193 cm, mass: 94 kg) reported sudden onset medial pain in his right knee during practice. Diagnostic imaging revealed medial femoral condyle osteochondral defects with loose bodies and a grade I medial collateral sprain (MCL). The medical and therapeutic intervention included arthroscopic microfracture, chondroplasty, loose body removal, and a 6-month rehabilitation program that included the use of blood flow restriction therapy. Current evidence estimates a 7–11-month recovery following microfracture surgery for the management of articular cartilage lesions, with a return-to-sport rate of only 50–60%.