microfracture
noun
mi·cro·frac·ture
ˌmī-krō-ˈfrak-chər, -shər 
1
: a small or minute fracture in a material (such as bone) : microcrack
Microfractures are the result of normal physical activity. Hence, the widespread occurrence of trabecular microfracture in cancellous bone implies that a reasonable rate of microfracture is physiologically tolerable.—
Nicola L. Fazzalari, Calcified Tissue International
Nicola L. Fazzalari, Calcified Tissue International2
: an arthroscopic surgical procedure for the repair of damaged articular cartilage that involves debriding loose and calcified cartilage and drilling small holes in the bone beneath so that blood and bone marrow flow through and form a clot over the area of cartilage damage which will eventually develop into replacement fibrocartilage
In a classic treatment for cartilage regeneration, known as microfracture, mesenchymal stem cells are released from marrow in the underlying bone to permeate the damaged cartilage area.—Jacob Klein, Science
Jacob Klein, ScienceDictionary Entries Near microfracture
Cite this Entry
“Microfracture.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/microfracture. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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