STACi vs Microfracture: Which Cartilage Repair Is Right for You?

It depends on the size and depth of your cartilage damage. For a small, isolated defect (generally under about 2 cm²), microfracture is a reasonable, low-cost first step. For larger or deeper damage — or if a previous microfracture has not lasted — STACi’s scaffold-based regeneration is designed to rebuild a more durable, hyaline-like surface. An imaging review is the only way to say which suits you.

Microfracture works by making the bone bleed, so the body forms a clot that heals into fibrocartilage — a scar-type repair. Fibrocartilage is softer and less hard-wearing than the natural hyaline cartilage that normally lines a joint. It can do well in small areas, but under heavy or repeated load it tends to break down sooner. STACi instead grows hyaline-like cartilage using your own cells.

Often, yes. A microfracture that has not held up is one of the situations STACi is designed for. Previous cartilage surgery does not automatically rule you out — but it does need to be reviewed, because it can affect the defect and the surrounding bone. Book an assessment so your imaging can be looked at properly.

Microfracture is widely available, including on the NHS, and is inexpensive. STACi is a private, UK-exclusive procedure offered only at London Cartilage Clinic and is not routinely available on the NHS. STACi costs from £28,000, all-inclusive. We can provide an itemised invoice if you wish to submit a claim independently.

STACi aims for a durable, living cartilage surface rather than a temporary repair, and hyaline-like cartilage is generally more hard-wearing than fibrocartilage. We report outcomes qualitatively here and give you written, defect-specific expectations at consultation. See the STACi evidence page for what the studies show.