Meniscus replacement cost in the UK
- ICRS Teaching Centre of Excellence
- 5 / 5 across Doctify and Google
- 173+ verified patient reviews
At a glance
How much does meniscus replacement cost in the UK?
Meniscus replacement cost at LCC is £28,000, inclusive of theatre, the donor meniscus tissue, the human-tissue regulatory framework, the consultant anaesthetist, the biological augmentation and a twelve-month follow-up programme. Allograft meniscus replacement is rarely published by other UK private clinics because it is a salvage operation reserved for patients whose native meniscus has been lost. Meniscus replacement at LCC is delivered by Professor Paul Lee at an ICRS Teaching Centre of Excellence.
Inclusive price
£28,000
All-inclusive of theatre, the donor tissue, biology, consultant anaesthetist and follow-up.
Meniscus replacement cost in the UK explained
Meniscus replacement is more involved than meniscus repair. Donor tissue is sourced under UK human-tissue regulations, prepared, sized to the patient’s tibial plateau, and implanted with bone-bridge or suture-anchor fixation depending on technique. A typical case takes two to three hours of theatre time, plus pre-operative MRI and tissue-matching work. The £28,000 figure covers all of that, plus the consultant anaesthetist and a twelve-month follow-up programme.
At LCC the procedure is performed by Professor Paul Lee. The biological augmentation we use for meniscus repair (PRF, collagen scaffold, mFat) is also added at the time of the replacement to support integration of the donor tissue. Nothing about the biology is quoted as an extra.
What is included in the price
Included in the price
- Pre-operative consultation with Professor Lee (60 minutes)
- Pre-admission anaesthetic review
- Theatre fee, surgical disposables and anaesthetic agents
- The donor meniscus tissue
- Human-tissue regulatory framework
- Operating surgeon’s fee
- Consultant anaesthetist’s fee
- Biological augmentation: PRF, collagen scaffold, and mFat
- Cryotherapy and on-the-day medications
- Bracing and walking aid where required
- Two post-operative consultations (typically week 2 and week 6)
- Three, six and twelve-month outcome reviews
- Direct line to the surgical team for post-operative concerns
Not included, quoted separately
- MRI imaging at £450 where not already available
- Pre-operative bloods if not already available
- Onward physiotherapy, quoted separately by your physiotherapist
- Travel and accommodation for international patients
Why meniscus replacement at LCC
ICRS Teaching Centre of Excellence
LCC is recognised by the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society as a Teaching Centre of Excellence. Meniscus and cartilage preservation are principal interests of the clinic; meniscus replacement is a logical extension when preservation is no longer possible.Replacement is the last conversation, not the first
We replace the meniscus only where biologically-augmented repair is no longer an option. If you have come to us looking for replacement, we will still tell you honestly whether repair would have been preferable; if it is, we will offer it instead.Biology included with the replacement
PRF, collagen scaffold and mFat are included as standard with the replacement to support integration of the donor tissue. The same biological framework that differentiates our meniscus repair work also applies here.The surgeon you see is the surgeon who operates
Pre-operative consultation, surgery and post-operative reviews are with Professor Lee. There is no transfer to a registrar or to another consultant.
Your meniscus replacement journey
- 1
Discovery call (free, 15 minutes)
A clinical coordinator confirms whether meniscus replacement looks like the right treatment to investigate, books the consultation if so, and answers cost questions. - 2
Consultation with Professor Lee (£350, 60 minutes)
Imaging review, examination, and a treatment plan in writing. We confirm whether the meniscus is salvageable for repair, or whether replacement is the right operation. - 3
Pre-operative preparation
MRI for tissue sizing, donor-tissue ordering, bloods, anaesthetic review and consent. Typically four to six weeks before surgery. - 4
Day of surgery
Admission at our partner hospital on Weymouth Street, central London. Surgery takes two to three hours. Most patients stay overnight. - 5
First six weeks
Brace, crutches and protected weight-bearing while the donor tissue integrates. Direct line to the surgical team for any concerns during this period. - 6
Weeks 6 to 16
Physiotherapy with your chosen physiotherapist, progressive return to function. Two follow-up consultations included with us. - 7
Three, six and twelve-month reviews
Outcome assessment, MRI where indicated, and confirmation of return to higher-impact activity.
Funding, insurance and payment
Self-pay
£28,000 settled by bank transfer or card before surgery.
We can discuss finance options on request rather than promoting a specific finance partner.
Private medical insurance
London Cartilage Clinic is a private-pay practice and does not work with UK insurance panels.
If you are insured, we can provide an itemised invoice for you to submit for reimbursement, but you settle the bill with us directly.
International patients
Outcomes after meniscus replacement
Meniscus replacement is a salvage operation for patients whose native meniscus has been lost or cannot be repaired. The aim is to restore load distribution across the joint and protect the underlying cartilage from accelerated wear. Most patients are walking unaided by week eight and return to recreational activity between six and nine months. Higher impact activity is confirmed at the twelve-month review.
Outcomes are measured at three, six and twelve months and feed into the published outcome database. Donor-tissue integration is checked clinically and on imaging at the twelve-month review.
Patient stories
I had been told by another clinic that nothing more could be done after my second meniscectomy. Professor Lee assessed me and offered an allograft replacement. Twelve months on the knee feels stable and I am back to walking long distances.
Frequently asked questions
How much does meniscus replacement cost in the UK?
When is meniscus replacement the right operation?
How does this differ from meniscus repair?
Can I claim meniscus replacement on private medical insurance?
Does the price include the donor tissue and the anaesthetist?
What happens if there is a complication after surgery?
How long is recovery, and is physiotherapy included?
How is the donor tissue sourced?
Why is meniscus replacement at LCC priced where it is?
Is the surgeon I see at consultation the same one who will operate?
Where will the surgery happen?
Ready to talk
Two paths from here
For when you want to talk first, the discovery call costs nothing. For when you have decided you want to be assessed, book a consultation with the operating surgeon. Either way you can learn how the procedure works on the meniscus replacement page.