The gel hardens and fills the damaged cartilage surface within minutes.
A collagen-based gel has been developed in Germany for the treatment of joint cartilage injuries. The product, called ChondroFiller®, aims to regenerate damaged cartilage in a minimally invasive manner. This method has been in use since 2013 and has since been used by thousands of patients worldwide as an alternative to traditional cartilage surgery.

Joint cartilage damage often leads to pain, limited mobility, and serious long-term joint problems. Traditional treatment methods often require bone drilling, cell sampling, or more complex surgical procedures. Developed in Germany, the gel offers a simpler procedure than these methods.
ChondroFiller® is based on a gel made of highly purified collagen. When applied to the affected area during an arthroscopic procedure, the gel hardens within minutes, creating a stable hydrogel structure. This structure fills the damaged cartilage surface and acts as a supporting framework.
This structure allows the body’s natural regenerative processes to form new cartilage tissue. This method does not require the use of special adhesives or additional tissue grafts. The
procedure is performed in a single arthroscopic procedure. During arthroscopy, the doctor inserts a tiny camera and special instruments into the joint, allowing the procedure to be performed through smaller incisions and avoiding drilling into the surrounding bone tissue.

The gel has been used to treat various types of joints. In clinical practice, it has been used on knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle joints, as well as smaller joints. According to available data, it has been used in over 20,000 patients worldwide.
The treatment is CE certified, and clinical experience indicates that many patients reported reduced joint pain and improved joint mobility and function after the treatment.

However, this method is not suitable for all cases. The gel is primarily intended for the treatment of small, well-defined cartilage lesions. In cases of extensive joint wear or advanced arthritis, other treatment options may be necessary.
Although the procedure is minimally invasive, it is still considered surgical and therefore carries standard medical risks.
ChondroFiller® may offer some patients a simpler treatment option compared to traditional joint replacements or cellular implants. This technology is a branch of regenerative medicine, where research is aimed at developing bioactive, fully degradable gels that more effectively support cartilage tissue repair.