Unloading Brace for Articular Cartilage Injury

I had a partial medial meniscus removal 10/16/03, and rehab went well until 12/15/03 when I tripped and damaged the articular cartilage. I had another scope to shave the articular damage 12/31/03. My OS is suggesting an unloading brace for activities to keep the damage from getting worse. Do you know what I should expect?? Thanks, Jeff

I've already had microfracture with good results for 1 year (competitive runner). This time the surgeon has suggested wearing an unloading brace during training to change the stress points and further preserve articular cartilage. Has anyone tried running in a brace such as this? What have you learned?