MSK Doctors

Cartilage replacement

We offer both cell-based and tissue-based cartilage replacement to relieve pain and repair damage to knee cartilage.

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2 minute check

Joint Suitability Assessment

Find the right ChondroFiller Injection pathway for your joint.

This short, 8-step check helps you understand whether a ChondroFiller Injection (CFI) could help your joint — and which pathway is likely to suit you best, from a simple injection to a keyhole procedure or a combination. It takes about two minutes, and almost everyone has options worth exploring.

  • No age limit — and being "bone on bone" doesn't rule you out
  • We read your joint through four lenses: physics, chemistry, biology & timing
  • A clear, personal result you can bring to your consultation

This assessment is for guidance only and is not a diagnosis. Your final recommendation depends on a clinical assessment, your scans, joint mechanics and treatment goals.

About
Minimally-invasive solutions to knee cartilage replacement
Effective
Referrals
Not Needed
Booking
Instant-book option available
Cost
£18,500 Lincolnshire
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Nature of cartilage replacement

Cartilage replacement is an advanced treatment aimed at restoring damaged joint surfaces by implanting new tissue. This can involve techniques such as osteochondral grafting (using donor or patient tissue), matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), or synthetic scaffolds. These methods help regenerate or replace worn cartilage, reduce pain, and restore joint function. The goal is to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery, especially in younger, active patients.

Common causes of knee cartilage injury

Cartilage damage often develops from gradual wear or sudden joint trauma, including:

Repetitive impact: High-load activities like running or squatting can wear down the joint surface.

Injury history: Meniscal tears, ligament injuries, or fractures may alter joint function and harm cartilage.

Joint misalignment: Uneven pressure distribution can cause one area of cartilage to degrade faster.

Age-related degeneration: As cartilage thins over time, it becomes more vulnerable to damage.

Obesity or high BMI: Excess weight increases stress on the joint, accelerating cartilage breakdown.

Diagnosing suitability for knee cartilage replacement

Not everyone with knee pain will need or benefit from cartilage replacement. A full assessment is needed to decide if this treatment is right for you. This usually includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging such as MRI scans to check the extent and location of cartilage damage.

Doctors will consider several factors, including your age, activity level, overall knee health, and whether you’ve had previous injuries or surgery. Cartilage replacement is often most suitable for younger or more active people who have localised damage, rather than widespread arthritis. The goal is to find the right treatment that offers long-term relief and helps you return to your normal activities.

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Who it suits

Suitable for

  • acl-lachman-test
  • meniscus-tear-illustration

Treatment overview

The team at MSK Doctors are experts in all things knee-related, particularly cartilage repair. We take numerous approaches to cartilage repair, offering both cell-based and tissue-based treatments.

Cell-based

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.

Tissue-based

This approach uses healthy cartilage, from other non-bearing parts of the knee to replace the damaged cartilage. Sometimes, this tissue will come from your own body (autograft), whilst other time,s 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.

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Benefits

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  • Both cell-based and tissue-based cartilage repair can delay the need for joint replacement.
  • Minimally-invasive solution to cartilage replacement
  • Can be completed by keyhole

Cost and paying

How to Pay

We offer a range of flexible payment options to make your treatment experience smooth and stress-free.

Paying for Yourself (Preferred Option)

Most patients choose to self-fund their treatment. We accept:

  • Bank Transfers
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Cash (in person only)

Instalment Plans

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.

Finance Options

Looking for a financing plan? You can apply through Kandoo, our trusted finance partner.

  • Instant online decision
  • No impact on your credit score
  • Multiple lenders for competitive rates

Private Medical Insurance (Limited Availability)

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.

More about paying for your treatment

What happens

Treatment Booking Process

  1. 01

    Online booking/call

    Use our website to book an initial consultation, or give us a call.

  2. 02

    Consultation

    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.

  3. 03

    Treatment

    Once your scan results have been reviewed, and your doctor has explained your options, you will be booked in for treatment.

  4. 04

    Rehab

    Following your treatment, your doctor will give you rehab recommendations.

  5. 05

    Follow Up

    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.

  6. 06

    Discharge

    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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether cell-based or tissue-based is better for me?

Your MSK Doctor will always recommend the best treatment for you, depending on your presentation. However, as a guide, cell-based treatments are usually better for younger patients with small to medium damage. Tissue-based treatments are usually better for those with more significant cartilage damage, early osteoarthritis, or older patients.

Do the treatments have different recovery times?

Tissue-based treatments may offer slightly better recovery. The recovery time for cell-based cartilage replacement is slightly longer and more gradual. This is because it involves new cartilage growing, and this is a slow, biological process.

London Cartilage Clinic

Looking for Treatment in London?

We now offer select services at our Harley Street London clinic through the London Cartilage Clinic, led by internationally recognised surgeon Professor Paul Lee.

Book at Our London Clinic

  • Specialist in Cartilage Repair & Joint Preservation

    Our London clinic offers advanced treatments like cartilage regeneration and joint preservation to help patients avoid or delay joint replacement.

  • Harley Street Clinic

    Located in Central London, our clinic provides convenient access to world-class musculoskeletal care without long NHS wait times.

  • Transparent Pricing & Direct Booking

    If you would like to be seen in Central London, visit our London Clinic page for pricing, available treatments, and to book directly online.

  • Faster Recovery Outcomes

    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

Book a 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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