Cartilage repair
We offer both cell-based and tissue-based cartilage repair, to relieve pain and repair damage to foot and ankle cartilage.
At a glance
About
Minimally-invasive solutions to foot/ankle cartilage repair
Referrals
No needed
Booking
Instant-book option available
Cost
-
Lincolnshire £ 18,500
Nature of cartilage repair
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.
Common causes of cartilage injuries
Cartilage injuries usually stem from ongoing wear or acute trauma to the joint, including:
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 for cartilage repair
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.
Suitable for
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment overview
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.
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.
Cell-based
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.
Benefits
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
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.
Booking and treatment process
Online booking/call
Use our Calendly to book an initial consultation, or give us a call.
01
Consult
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.
02
Treatment
Once your scan results have been reviewed, and your doctor has explained your options, you will be booked in for treatment.
03
Rehab
Following your treatment, your doctor will give you rehab recommendations.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.
Schedule A Discovery Call With Us
Don’t wait to find relief. Whether it’s a consultation, scan, or treatment, we’re ready to help.
