CartiHeal Agili-C · Patient selection
Who may be suitable for CartiHeal?
A defined lesion is only the start. Cartilage, subchondral bone, alignment, ligaments, meniscus, osteoarthritis and rehabilitation capacity all shape selection.
Reviewed byProfessor Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDCartilage and joint preservation expertiseQuick answer
CartiHeal may be considered for selected knee cartilage or osteochondral lesions. Trial criteria provide useful context, but suitability remains a whole-knee surgical decision and the treatment is not yet bookable at LCC.
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Osteochondral selection
CartiHeal treats a cartilage-and-bone site, not knee pain in general
CartiHeal is a biphasic implant placed into a prepared cylindrical site spanning articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Suitability therefore begins with a defined cartilage or osteochondral lesion rather than symptoms alone.
MRI and weight-bearing imaging help establish lesion size, depth, containment, bone change and the condition of the rest of the joint. Examination adds alignment, stability, meniscus function and the patient's real activity goal.
- Defined focal cartilage or osteochondral lesion
- Surrounding cartilage and bone able to support the plan
- Alignment and ligament stability considered
- A realistic ability to complete protected rehabilitation
Research population
The pivotal trial gives context—not an automatic indication
The randomised trial enrolled adults aged 21 to 75 with up to three lesions, total treated area from 1 to 7 cm², ICRS grade 3A or higher and Kellgren–Lawrence grade 0 to 3.
Those criteria describe the studied population. They do not mean every person inside the age or size range is suitable, and they should not be confused with current UK product instructions, governance or an individual surgical recommendation.
Reasons another route may fit
The whole knee can outweigh the focal lesion
Diffuse end-stage joint disease, uncorrected malalignment, instability, meniscus deficiency, infection risk or inability to follow rehabilitation can change the balance. Another cartilage restoration operation, osteotomy or joint replacement may be more credible.
CartiHeal is not yet presented as a bookable LCC procedure. Current assessment can define the knee, explain established options and record interest while availability and governance develop.
CartiHeal suitability questions
What lesion sizes were studied?
The pivotal trial included a total treated lesion area of 1 to 7 cm² and up to three lesions. Study entry criteria are not a blanket treatment indication.
Was osteoarthritis included?
The trial included Kellgren–Lawrence grades 0 to 3. The extent, distribution and mechanical consequences of osteoarthritis still need individual assessment.
Can CartiHeal treat diffuse bone-on-bone arthritis?
It is designed around selected cartilage and osteochondral lesions, not as a universal substitute for joint replacement in diffuse end-stage disease.
Can I book CartiHeal at LCC now?
Not yet. These pages provide advance information. Current cartilage options can be assessed and interest recorded while availability is established.
Still have more specific concerns?
Free Discovery CallOptions that our doctors may discuss include NanoACi, ChondroFiller, Mytocel MSK, joint replacement, established conservative care or surgery, depending on examination and imaging.
Assess the cartilage lesion and the whole knee
Professor Lee can review current imaging, explain established cartilage options and record interest in CartiHeal as availability develops.