We offer both cell-based and tissue-based cartilage repair, to relieve pain and repair damage to foot and ankle cartilage.
Cartilage repair is a specialised treatment aimed at restoring damaged cartilage in joints, especially the knee. Unlike other tissues, cartilage lacks a strong blood supply, limiting its natural ability to heal. When damaged, it can lead to chronic pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Treatment options may include microfracture surgery, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or stem cell-based therapies to stimulate new cartilage growth.
Sports injuries: Twisting motions or impact during sports can tear or damage joint cartilage.
Repetitive stress: Frequent joint use in physical jobs or athletic training can lead to degeneration.
Joint instability: Ligament damage or previous injuries can alter joint alignment, increasing cartilage wear.
Age-related wear: Natural ageing reduces cartilage resilience, making it more prone to breakdown.
Obesity: Excess weight adds pressure on joints, accelerating cartilage deterioration.
Diagnosis starts with a clinical assessment of symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, or grinding sensations during movement. Patients may also report swelling or reduced flexibility. Physical examination helps locate tenderness and joint irregularities.
Advanced imaging, such as MRI, is commonly used to evaluate the extent of cartilage damage and determine if surgical repair is appropriate. Cartilage repair is typically considered when conservative methods fail, and the goal is to preserve the joint and restore long-term function.
Who it suits
Cartilage damage in the foot and ankle can result from various causes including arthritis, congenital conditions (like flat feet) and traumatic injury (like sprains or fractures).
Whatever the cause, the doctors at MSK offer several treatment options.
This approach to cartilage repair involves using cells, often chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to stimulate or facilitate cartilage regeneration in the damaged area. This could be either by implanting the cells directly or by using them to create a scaffold, which can stimulate new cartilage growth.
We offer several cell-based approaches, including ACI, MACI, STACI and AMIC. Your MSK Doctor will recommend the best approach based on your presentation.
This approach uses healthy cartilage, from other non-bearing parts of the body to replace the damaged cartilage. Sometimes this tissue will come from your own body (autograft), whilst other times it will come from a donor (allograft).
We offer several tissue-based approaches to cartilage repair, including OCA, OATS and CR. Your MSK Doctor will recommend the best approach based on your presentation.
Cost and paying
We offer a range of flexible payment options to make your treatment experience smooth and stress-free.
Most patients choose to self-fund their treatment. We accept:
We’ve partnered with GoCardless to offer interest-free instalment options. You can easily set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost of your treatment over time.
Looking for a financing plan? You can apply through Kandoo, our trusted finance partner.
We work with a small number of approved insurance providers. However, due to restrictions from many insurers, not all treatments are covered. Please check with your insurer and speak to our team before booking to avoid disappointment.
What happens
Use our website to book an initial consultation, or give us a call.
Our doctors might request you arrange a scan before your initial consultation. Or, they’ll chat with you (face to face or online) and recommend a scan after your initial consultation, if they think you need one.
Once your scan results have been reviewed, and your doctor has explained your options, you will be booked in for treatment.
Following your treatment, your doctor will give you rehab recommendations.
You will be booked in for a follow-up consultation, so your doctor can check your progress. You might need further rehab after this consultation.
Once your doctor is happy with your recovery, you will be discharged. After discharge, we are always here for further questions or support, should you need it.
How do I know whether cell-based or tissue-based is better for me?
Do the treatments have different recovery times?
London Cartilage Clinic
We now offer select services at our Harley Street London clinic through the London Cartilage Clinic, led by internationally recognised surgeon Professor Paul Lee.
Our London clinic offers advanced treatments like cartilage regeneration and joint preservation to help patients avoid or delay joint replacement.
Located in Central London, our clinic provides convenient access to world-class musculoskeletal care without long NHS wait times.
If you would like to be seen in Central London, visit our London Clinic page for pricing, available treatments, and to book directly online.
Our Harley Street clinic uses cutting-edge techniques designed to reduce downtime and support faster, more effective recovery, getting you back to your lifestyle sooner.
Free discovery call
Don’t wait to find relief. Whether it’s a consultation, scan, or treatment, we’re ready to help. Book a call with the admin team to discuss.
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