Knee cartilage repair is a specialised surgical procedure that restores damaged cartilage within the joint to relieve pain, improve mobility, and delay joint degeneration.
2 minute check
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.
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.
Cartilage repair is a joint-preserving treatment that uses biological or surgical methods to restore damaged areas of cartilage in the knee. This helps re-establish a smooth surface, reduce joint friction, and prevent future damage. Techniques range from stimulating natural healing to grafting new cartilage, depending on the severity of the defect
Traumatic injury: Sudden impact or twisting injuries during sports or accidents can damage cartilage.
Degenerative wear: Cartilage naturally wears over time, especially with age or overuse.
Repetitive strain: Ongoing activities like running or squatting can contribute to deterioration.
Previous surgeries or injury: Knee instability or altered alignment can increase cartilage wear.
Obesity: Excess weight adds stress to the knee joint, accelerating damage.
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, physical exam findings, and imaging such as an MRI. Cartilage repair is most effective for isolated defects with healthy surrounding tissue. Factors such as your age, activity level, and the location and size of the damage determine suitability. A tailored plan will be discussed during your consultation to ensure the best possible outcome.
Who it suits
Knee cartilage repair involves techniques designed to regenerate or replace damaged cartilage. Depending on the severity and location of the defect, procedures may include microfracture (stimulating new growth), cartilage transplantation, or biological reconstruction using grafts. These techniques are typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions. Recovery requires a guided rehabilitation programme to restore strength and movement. When successful, cartilage repair preserves the joint and delays the need for more invasive treatments like joint replacement.
Unlike other tissues, cartilage does not heal easily on its own, making surgical repair a valuable treatment for restoring joint function and preventing arthritis.
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 cartilage repair suitable for arthritis?
How long does it take to recover?
Is the procedure painful?
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
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