Hip cartilage repair is a joint-preserving treatment designed to restore damaged cartilage in the hip, reduce pain, and improve long-term joint function.
Hip cartilage repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at regenerating or replacing damaged cartilage. Restoring the smooth surface inside the joint reduces pain and improves function. Techniques such as microfracture or cartilage grafting stimulate new tissue growth and are customised based on the patient’s age, damage size, and activity level.
Injury or trauma: Sports injuries, falls, or direct impacts can damage cartilage.
Repetitive stress: Activities like running or heavy lifting can wear down cartilage over time.
Hip impingement (FAI): Bone shape abnormalities can cause abnormal contact and cartilage wear.
Degenerative changes: Age-related cartilage thinning can lead to joint pain and stiffness.
Genetic or developmental issues: Structural abnormalities can make cartilage more prone to damage.
Your specialist will assess your symptoms, range of motion, and hip joint stability. Imaging such as MRI or hip arthroscopy is used to evaluate the extent of cartilage damage. This treatment is best suited for patients with isolated cartilage lesions and good overall joint condition. Suitability is determined during consultation based on age, activity level, and long-term joint preservation goals.
Who it suits
Hip cartilage repair procedures aim to restore smooth cartilage surfaces within the joint. Depending on the extent of the damage, techniques may include microfracture (stimulating new cartilage growth), autologous grafts, or biological reconstruction. These procedures are typically performed via keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery and are followed by a personalised rehabilitation programme. By addressing damage early, this treatment helps preserve the natural hip joint and delay more invasive interventions like joint replacement.
It can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Because cartilage does not regenerate well on its own, surgical repair is often necessary to restore function and prevent further deterioration.
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.
Is hip cartilage repair suitable for arthritis?
What’s the recovery time?
Is this an inpatient procedure?
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.
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