Successful ChondroFiller treatment is about more than just the injection—it’s about preparing well and following the right care steps afterward. Whether you’re hoping to relieve pain or restore joint function, knowing what to do before and after your treatment sets you up for the best possible outcome.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the ChondroFiller journey at MSK Doctors. ChondroFiller is a next-generation, cell-free collagen matrix made from type I collagen. It acts as a scaffold, encouraging your body’s own cells to regenerate healthy cartilage in damaged joints.

Under the expert care of Professor Paul Lee, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and rehabilitation specialist, your experience is both professional and supportive. Here, you’ll find a clear explanation of the four key phases: Pre-procedure Consultation and Assessment, Preparation on the Day of Injection, Immediate Post-procedure Care, and Rehabilitation with Long-term Follow-up.

Pre-procedure Consultation and Assessment

Your ChondroFiller treatment starts with a comprehensive consultation with Professor Paul Lee. He’ll review your medical history, perform a focused examination, and talk through your goals and expectations. This careful approach means your treatment will be personalised to your needs.

An MRI scan is usually required to assess your cartilage and measure the size and depth of the problem area. The severity is classified using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) system—this helps ensure ChondroFiller is suitable for you.

Routine blood tests, including a full blood count and markers for inflammation, are also completed. These checks help rule out issues that might make ChondroFiller less effective or even unsuitable, such as advanced osteoarthritis , certain inflammatory joint diseases, or arthrofibrosis (excess scar tissue in the joint).

Throughout this stage, you and Professor Lee work together to make well-informed decisions. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations—most people experience improved pain and function after ChondroFiller , though it isn’t a guaranteed cure. Studies show that about 80% of patients report good or very good results and would choose the procedure again.

Preparation on the Day of ChondroFiller Injection

On the day of your injection, some simple steps can make things smoother. You’ll be asked to fast for six hours before the procedure, though you may have small sips of clear fluids if necessary.

Choose loose, comfortable clothing to make it easier for your clinical team to access the joint. Plan for someone to drive you home afterward, as you likely won’t be able to drive yourself.

A technical step behind the scenes: the ChondroFiller syringe is gently warmed to about 33°C for about 15 minutes to achieve the ideal consistency for injection.

The nursing team at MSK Doctors will guide you throughout the process, making sure you feel comfortable and informed at every stage.

Immediate Post-procedure Care

After your injection, your joint will be protected with a plaster splint in a neutral position for 48 hours. You’ll be encouraged to rest and elevate the limb to minimize swelling.

For the first six weeks, you’ll need to limit weight-bearing on the treated leg or joint to roughly 20 kilograms, typically using crutches. Sometimes, a brace or special walking boot may be fitted to keep pressure off the repaired area.

Pain is managed with prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps help control swelling and discomfort, supporting your recovery.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor your healing, remove the splint, and help you slowly regain mobility and strength. Every step is closely monitored by your MSK Doctors team.

Clinical research has found ChondroFiller to be a safe option when managed appropriately, with no significant complications reported in postoperative care.

Rehabilitation and Long-term Follow-up

Once early healing is underway, you’ll start gentle exercises with MSK Doctors’ physiotherapists. Activities such as cycling and swimming are encouraged once you’re able to put partial weight on the joint. High-impact sports like running and jumping should be avoided for at least a year to protect your new cartilage.

Your rehabilitation programme will focus on rebuilding strength and stability around your joint. Your progress will be measured with reliable tools: for knees, these include the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the SF-36 health survey; for ankles, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) are used.

Many patients experience significant functional improvement. For example, in recent studies, average IKDC scores reached 75 out of 100 after ChondroFiller treatment—demonstrating meaningful positive results.

A healthy, active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight will help protect your joints and ensure the long-term benefits of your ChondroFiller procedure.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

A successful ChondroFiller experience relies on careful planning, appropriate preparation, attentive aftercare, and a thoughtful rehabilitation programme. With Professor Paul Lee’s expertise and the caring team at MSK Doctors, you’ll have support at every step.

Remember, always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional about your own medical needs.

If you’d like a version of this information tailored for patient leaflets or a more in-depth clinical overview, just let us know!