Cartilage replacement
We offer both cell-based and tissue-based cartilage replacement to relieve pain and repair damage to knee cartilage.
At a glance
About
Minimally-invasive solutions to knee cartilage replacement
Effective
Referrals
Not Needed
Booking
Instant-book option available
Cost
-
Lincolnshire £ 18,500
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.
Suitable for
ACL tear
Meniscus tear
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.
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.
The booking 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.
