Cartilage Repair
Eleanor Hayes
Single-Session Cartilage Repair with STACi
Cartilage repair that once required two operations spanning three to six months is now completed in a single operative session lasting 2.5–4 hours through STACi.
Chronic Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability develops when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle fail to heal properly after a sprain, leaving the ankle prone to repeated giving way, swelling, and pain during activity.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Why sprains lead to instability
The lateral ankle ligaments (ATFL and CFL) are the primary restraints against the ankle rolling inward. A sprain stretches or tears these ligaments. If they heal in an elongated state, the ankle lacks the mechanical support to resist further sprains.
- Repeated sprains progressively weaken the ligament complex.
- Proprioceptive (balance) deficits develop alongside structural looseness.
- Ongoing instability risks cartilage damage and early ankle arthritis.
Treatment at London Cartilage Clinic
Treatment follows a step-wise approach starting with rehabilitation and progressing to surgery only when needed.
- Proprioceptive and strength training to restore neuromuscular ankle control.
- Bracing during sport for patients who improve with rehabilitation.
- Ligament repair or reconstruction for persistent instability despite conservative treatment.
At arthroscopy, the joint is also assessed for cartilage damage that may have resulted from repeated instability events.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes chronic ankle instability?
It typically develops after one or more ankle sprains that damage the lateral ligaments. If the ligaments heal in a stretched or weakened state, the ankle remains prone to giving way, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Can physiotherapy fix ankle instability?
Many patients improve significantly with a structured programme focusing on proprioception (balance), peroneal muscle strengthening, and neuromuscular control. Surgery is reserved for those who remain unstable despite completing a thorough rehabilitation programme.
What does ankle ligament reconstruction involve?
The most common procedure is a modified Brostrom repair, which tightens and reattaches the stretched ligaments. For more severe cases, a tendon graft reconstruction may be needed to rebuild the ligaments entirely.
How long is recovery from ankle stabilisation surgery?
Patients typically wear a boot for two to four weeks and begin physiotherapy early. Return to running from three months and sport from four to six months, guided by functional testing.
Still have more specific concerns?
Free Discovery CallLondon Cartilage Clinic
Latest Insights
Clinical updates, cartilage treatment guidance, and recovery-focused articles from our specialist team.
ACL Injury
Eleanor Hayes
Does a Partial ACL Tear Always Need Surgery
A partial ACL tear does not always require surgery; the decision hinges on whether the knee remains mechanically stable under load, though approximately 40% of young athletes managed conservatively eventually sustain a complete rupture.
ChondroFiller / Liquid Cartilage
Eleanor Hayes
ChondroFiller Hip Injection Cost and Lifetime Joint Preservation
ChondroFiller hip injections cost £6,500–£9,500 and recruit the patient's own cells to repair cartilage; a structured preservation model requires yearly imaging and bi-annual top-up injections.