London Cartilage Clinic IconLondon Cartilage Clinic66 Harley Street
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ACL Repair

From £9,800
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Guide price only. Final cost is confirmed after assessment.

At London Cartilage Clinic we provide ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) repair surgery using either a BioBrace implant or STARR technique. Each method is designed to enhance the natural healing of your ACL, providing options that maintain the original anatomy of your knee. ACL repair can be a good alternative to reconstruction surgery in certain cases. Using implants for knee ligament repair is a new and innovative type of treatment that has already proven to deliver impressive results for patients. Find out more about ACL repair as a treatment option for you by booking a consultation with one of our specialists.

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Prof Paul LeeReviewed byProf Paul LeeLast reviewed 1 May 2026
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Is ACL repair right for you? Candidate selection matters

ACL repair aims to preserve your native ligament and support biological healing, rather than replacing it with a graft in every case.

  • BioBrace: reinforced scaffold that shares load while healing progresses.
  • STARR: advanced repair approach designed to improve fixation and tissue recovery.

These techniques are usually considered for selected tear patterns (often proximal) and are confirmed after MRI and specialist examination.

  • Adults with complete ACL rupture and suitable tissue quality.
  • Patients prioritising preservation of native knee anatomy.
  • Athletes and active individuals with clear return-to-sport goals.
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Why patients choose modern ACL repair

For suitable candidates, ACL repair can reduce surgical trauma while maintaining proprioceptive fibres and natural knee biomechanics.

  • Potentially faster early recovery than full reconstruction in selected cases.
  • Preservation of native ligament anatomy and knee feel.
  • Lower donor-site morbidity because graft harvest may be avoided.
  • Reconstruction remains available later if clinically required.

London Cartilage Clinic provides advanced imaging-led planning, high-volume specialist surgery, and staged rehabilitation support to maximise functional recovery.

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Brace fitting session for lower-leg support

You may have more options than you think

Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told

At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.

Preserve

Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.

Repair

Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.

Regenerate

Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.

Replace

When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.

Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.

Explore Knee Options
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BioBrace implant?

The BioBrace is another method used in ACL surgical repair to strengthen the ligament and optimise healing. BioBrace is a reinforced bioinductive implant that is comprised of both synthetic and biological materials. Its unique properties allow it to share the load and support the ligament throughout the healing process.

It does this using its highly porous collagen scaffold and microfilaments to reinforce it. The clever design and structure of the BioBrace enables regeneration of blood vessels and fibroblasts into the scaffold to naturally integrate with the tissue surrounding it.

ACL repair vs reconstruction: Which is better?

ACL repair and ACL reconstruction are distinct approaches to treating ACL injuries. While both aim to restore knee stability and function, they differ significantly in technique, recovery, and long-term effects on the knee joint.

ACL Repair: Focuses on suturing the original ligament, preserving as much of the natural tissue as possible. Ideal for patients with specific types of ligament tears and those seeking quicker recovery times.

ACL Reconstruction: Involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, typically taken from another tendon in the body. This is often recommended for complete tears or when the ligament is severely damaged.

A key benefit of repair techniques such as BioBrace and STARR is the reduced healing time for some individuals in comparison to ACL reconstruction. Also, repair techniques promote more natural self-healing. However, ACL reconstruction still has a higher success rate compared to repair, which is more important to some patients despite the longer recovery time.

Who is eligible for ACL repair?

To be a good candidate for ACL repair using the BioBrace implant or STARR you need to be an adult with a complete rupture of the ACL that has been confirmed by an MRI. Like with reconstruction surgery, ACL repair is a common option adults who have injured their knee during sports.

A detailed assessment with our specialists, including imaging and physical exams, will determine the best approach for your specific condition.

What is the recovery time for BioBrace and STARR ACL repairs?

Recovery varies by individual but typically is quicker than reconstruction, with many patients resuming light activities within weeks.

What are the risks associated with ACL repair techniques?

Risks are minimal and significantly lower than those associated with traditional reconstruction, especially when it comes to long-term joint health.

Can ACL repair be converted to reconstruction if needed?

Yes, in the rare event that ACL repair does not achieve the desired outcome, conversion to reconstruction is a viable option.

Still have more specific concerns?

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