ChondroFiller® at MSK Doctors
Repair & Regenerate
Injectable Structural Regenerative implant for Cartilage
Don’t Let Cartilage Damage Stop You Moving
Cartilage injuries can take the ease out of walking, running, and daily life. Left alone, they can spread, leading to arthritis and, eventually, joint replacement.
At MSK Doctors, our focus is on preserving and regenerating joints — not replacing them. With ChondroFiller®, we bring world-class regenerative science to Harley Street.
“Repair, not replace — that’s the future of joint care.” – Prof. Paul Lee
Why Cartilage Is Crucial
Cartilage forms the smooth, protective surface that lets your joints move without pain.
Unlike skin or muscle, cartilage doesn’t easily self-repair — but with the right support and stimulus, regeneration is possible.
The sooner we act, the more we can preserve.
What Is ChondroFiller®?
ChondroFiller® Liquid is a biologic collagen scaffold delivered as a liquid. Once placed inside the joint, it gels within minutes, filling cartilage defects and giving your own cells a framework to form new, healthy cartilage.
Think of it like epoxy resin for a joint:
- Shields the damaged site from further wear
- Draws in your own cells to populate the scaffold
- Supports regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage (the gold standard, not scar tissue)
One procedure. One step. One chance to keep your joint for life.
The Science Behind It
- Used worldwide: >19,000 cases with zero serious complications
- Knee: +30 IKDC points (12–36 months)
- Hip: +33 Harris Hip Score, pain drop by 6 points
- Hand joints: pain halved, grip strength returns, MRI shows increased joint space
- MRI (MOCART scores): 70–87, indicating consistent, high-quality cartilage repair
Supported by more than a decade of published research and international clinical use.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Treatment | Analogy | What it Does | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HA (Hyaluronic Acid) | WD-40 | Lubricates the joint for short-term relief | Short-lived; no regeneration |
| Arthrosamid® | Silicone | Targets the synovium to reduce pain signalling | Non-regenerative; literature reports up to 30% complications. |
| ChondroFiller® | Epoxy Resin | Fills defects, stabilises, and promotes cartilage regeneration | A leading injectable for true repair |
ChondroFiller® sits in a different class — a structural regenerative implant.
Treatment Options at MSK Doctors
Ultrasound-Guided Precision Injections
Small joints: thumb, fingers, elbow, AC joint, toes, jaw (TMJ) …
- No incisions, minimal downtime
- 1ml of Chondrofiller
- In-clinic procedure
Large joints: Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Ankle
- In-clinic procedure
- 2.3ml of Chondrofiller
- No incisions, minimal downtime
Keyhole Surgery (Large Joints)
Best for: knee, hip, shoulder
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Chondrofiller placed directly into the defect under direct vision
- Suited to larger or more complex cartilage defects
- Autologous collagen induced chondrogenesis (ACIC)
- Autologous matrix induced chondrogenesis (AMIC)
Liquid Cartilage ™ (Exclusive at MSK Doctors)
Our proprietary MSC Co-Delivery Technique
- Combines ChondroFiller® with MSC (Medicinal Signalling Cells) from bone marrow, fat, or PRF
- Inspired by ACI and MACI principles — but in a single procedure
- Designed for larger, more complex cases
- Best in class for cartilage defects
- Autologous collagen induced chondrogenesis (ACIC) with cells
- Autologous matrix induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) with cells
Your Journey with Us
- Discovery Call – a quick, no-obligation chat
- Consultation + MRI – comprehensive assessment with Prof. Paul Lee
- Treatment Plan – Injection, Keyhole, or Liquid Cartilage™
- One-Day Procedure – precise and minimally invasive
- Specialist Rehabilitation + Follow-up
Introductory offer: the consultation fee is credited towards your treatment if you proceed.
Why Choose MSK Doctors?
- Prof. Paul Lee – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Honorary Professor of Sports Medicine, and an international leader in cartilage regeneration.
- Harley Street setting with motion capture and AI diagnostics
- Recognised as the UK ICRS teaching centre of excellence
- Regeneration-first approach: we aim to save joints before replacing them
Take the Next Step
Cartilage damage won’t repair itself. With the right approach, it can be protected, repaired, and regenerated.
MSK Doctors offers access to world-leading science and care, combining Harley Street expertise with a commitment to joint preservation.
Book a Discovery Call to learn more.
Or secure your Consultation with Prof. Lee today.
(If you proceed, the consultation fee is credited to your treatment.)
Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know about ChondroFiller® treatment at MSK Doctors.
What is ChondroFiller® and how does it support natural cartilage repair?
ChondroFiller® is an acellular collagen gel that fills cartilage defects and provides a framework for your own stem cells to regenerate healthy tissue. Unlike short-term injections, it supports true hyaline-like cartilage repair, restoring smoother joint motion and helping protect against further wear.
How does ChondroFiller® compare with other injections or joint replacement?
Hyaluronic acid or Arthrosamid® may provide temporary pain relief, whereas ChondroFiller® actively regenerates cartilage. Compared with joint replacement, it preserves your own joint and avoids risks linked to prostheses. At MSK Doctors, Prof. Paul Lee applies it within a “regenerate-first” approach designed to save joints rather than replace them.
What evidence supports ChondroFiller® in knees, hips, and other joints?
Studies show +30 IKDC in knees, +33 Harris Hip Score in hips, and improved ankle mobility measures. MRI (MOCART) typically reports 70–87, indicating high-quality cartilage regeneration. >19,000 cases worldwide support safety and dependable restoration of everyday function.
Who is a suitable candidate for ChondroFiller® at MSK Doctors?
Well-suited to focal cartilage defects up to 6 cm² in the knee, hip, ankle, or small joints. Younger, active people often benefit most, though older patients may be eligible if surrounding cartilage is stable. Prof. Lee shapes each plan around your joint status and lifestyle.
What is the procedure like, and how long is recovery after ChondroFiller®?
Delivered via precise injection or keyhole surgery. The gel sets within minutes at the defect. Expect partial weight-bearing for ~6 weeks, then a steady return to cycling/swimming. Most sports, including running, resume at around 12 months with specialist rehabilitation.
Why choose MSK Doctors and Prof. Paul Lee for ChondroFiller®?
MSK Doctors is the UK’s ICRS teaching centre of excellence. Prof. Paul Lee is a global leader in cartilage regeneration and offers advanced options like Liquid Cartilage™ (ChondroFiller® + stem cells) for world-class joint preservation.
Download our Leaflet
Discover what makes ChondroFiller® unique at MSK Doctors.
ChondroFiller® Research Library
Browse studies, case analyses, and clinical findings on ChondroFiller®.
Animal Study
Preclinical evaluation of ChondroFiller® in animal models.
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Arthritis of the Thumb
Application of ChondroFiller® in thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.
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Behaviour of Human Cartilage
Insights into cartilage response and regeneration potential.
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Cartilage Reconstruction Using ChondroFiller® in Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures
Case-based reconstruction of wrist joint cartilage defects.
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Cell-Free Approach
Concept and outcomes of scaffold-based, cell-free cartilage repair.
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Collagen Matrix for Cartilage Repair
Structural collagen scaffolds and their role in joint preservation.
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Femoroacetabular Impingement
Managing hip impingement with structural cartilage regeneration.
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Hip Defects
Treatment of focal cartilage lesions in the hip joint.
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Needle and Curette Technique
Minimal access technique for preparing cartilage defects.
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Osteoid Osteoma
Managing osteoid osteoma with joint surface restoration.
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Regeneration of Cartilage Defects
Outcomes of defect-filling regenerative strategies.
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Safety of ChondroFiller®
Safety data and complication profile from clinical use.
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