Kneecap Realignment & Cartilage Repair
Specialists in preserving your natural knee with minimally-invasive realignment and cartilage repair.
At a glance
About
Effective
Referrals
Not Needed
Booking
Instant-book option available
Cost
-
Lincolnshire £ 6500
Nature of Kneecap Realignment & Cartilage Repair
Kneecap misalignment or cartilage damage can cause chronic pain at the front of the knee, especially during activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or rising from a seated position. Realignment procedures restore proper tracking of the patella, reducing pressure on the joint, while advanced cartilage repair techniques help regenerate or preserve healthy tissue.
This approach treats the underlying cause of pain, not just the symptoms, allowing for better long-term outcomes and maintaining the natural structure of the knee.
Common causes of kneecap injuries
Kneecap pain and instability can stem from various underlying conditions:
- Patellar Maltracking or Instability: When the kneecap doesn’t move properly within its groove, it creates uneven pressure and chronic discomfort.
Cartilage Damage or Chondromalacia: Softening or wear of the cartilage behind the kneecap leads to grinding sensations, stiffness, and persistent pain.
Recurrent Dislocations: Repeated episodes of the kneecap slipping out of place can damage surrounding cartilage and soft tissue, leading to long-term instability.
Post-Traumatic Injury: Previous knee fractures or impacts can alter kneecap alignment and compromise joint health.
Failed Prior Treatments: Persistent pain or instability despite physiotherapy, bracing, or prior surgeries may require realignment or cartilage restoration.
Congenital or Structural Factors: Certain knee shapes or genetic predispositions can increase the risk of misalignment and cartilage wear over time.
Diagnosis
Patients typically experience:
Persistent pain at the front of the knee
Grinding or catching sensations when bending
Instability or repeated kneecap dislocations
Prof Lee performs a comprehensive assessment, including physical examination and imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), to determine whether you are suitable for realignment, cartilage repair, or – in rare cases, partial kneecap replacement.
Suitable for
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treatment overview
Our approach is centered on preserving your natural joint and addressing the root cause of pain, rather than replacing the kneecap unnecessarily. Our team offer a comprehensive suite of advanced, minimally-invasive treatments tailored to each patient’s condition:
Realignment Surgery: Corrects the position of the kneecap to restore smooth tracking and reduce excess pressure on the cartilage.
Cartilage Repair and Regeneration: Techniques such as microfracture, biological scaffolds, and stem cell therapy encourage natural cartilage healing and restoration of healthy joint surfaces.
Targeted Injections: Hyaluronic acid, liquid cartilage injections, and other biologic treatments provide lubrication, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.
Soft Tissue Balancing: Procedures to tighten or release ligaments around the kneecap can help stabilize and protect the joint.
Partial Kneecap Replacement: Used only when damage is severe and repair options are no longer effective, ensuring bone and tissue preservation wherever possible.
This patient-focused strategy not only reduces pain and restores stability but also helps delay or avoid major joint replacement surgery, enabling a faster return to everyday activities and sports.
Benefits
Preserves natural bone and joint structure
Ideal for younger or active patients not yet suitable for full knee replacement
Minimally-invasive approach means smaller incisions, less scarring, and quicker recovery
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
When will I start to notice results?
Most patients notice results in as little as 6 months. Results have also been proven to last as long as 5 years, regardless of patient age.
Who is this treatment for?
This type of implant-based kneecap replacement is best for patients who are still too young for complete knee arthroplasty.
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.
