Method and apparatus for performing arthroscopic microfracture surgery

A method for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the method comprising:

• providing a microfracture instrument comprising:
• an elongated, substantially straight shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end;
• a needle comprising a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the distal end terminating in at least one sharp point,
• the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the elongated, substantially straight shaft so that (i) the longitudinal axis of the needle extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated, substantially straight shaft, and (ii) the needle is configured for movement along the longitudinal axis of the needle between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone;
• and
• a drive shaft formed separately from the needle and movably mounted to the elongated, substantially straight shaft for movement along the longitudinal axis of the elongated, substantially straight shaft, the drive shaft having at least one surface for cooperating with the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis of the elongated, substantially straight shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position;
• positioning the elongated, substantially straight shaft adjacent to the bone;
• and
• moving the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis of the elongated, substantially straight shaft so that the at least one surface of the drive shaft cooperates with the body of the needle to move the needle along the longitudinal axis of the needle into its extended position, whereby the at least one sharp point of the needle engages the bone.