Joint Treatment for Patients from Antwerp
Free scan review first, then SVF cell therapy or PRP for the knee, hip, shoulder or other joints if they suit you
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is regenerative
joint treatment?
Your blood provides platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and a small sample of adipose tissue provides the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). In regenerative joint treatment this material goes into the affected joint by injection, helping to reduce pain and inflammation and to support the tissues inside it.
Suitable for people with joint pain who would rather avoid or postpone surgery, or who were told a joint replacement is inevitable. The earlier the condition, the better the odds of a lasting effect — something the doctor judges from your scans.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Treatment covers large and small joints, with the joint, the method and the number of injections chosen after the doctor reviews your scans
Elbow
Pain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist joints that feel stiff and painful
Knee
Worn cartilage, meniscus problems, pain on stairs or after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A small sample of adipose tissue is taken and processed to obtain the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that take part in tissue repair. Mixed with your own plasma, it is then injected into the affected joint.
When the joint has more noticeable changes and you want the effect to last longer, this is the usual choice.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A small amount of your blood is processed to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the joint. It helps settle inflammation and gives the tissues better conditions for repair.
It is suitable as a separate injection course or in combination with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
An examination of the joint and a review of your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound results let the doctor decide whether the procedure suits you. Please send any scans you have before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small blood draw from a vein provides the material from which platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
After centrifuging, the sample forms separate layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken from them and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
An examination of the joint and a review of your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound results let the doctor decide whether the procedure suits you. Please send any scans you have before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small blood draw from a vein provides the material from which platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
After centrifuging, the sample forms separate layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken from them and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
The doctor uses follow-up visits to see the joint's response and change the plan if needed. Usually pain eases during the first month, mobility gets better over about three months, and the full effect takes around six months.
Conditions we treat
A doctor decides whether the treatment suits you after examining you and reviewing your scans
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: fever, a cold or flu, skin inflammation over the joint to be treated
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Most people go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are covered with small dressings. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Over the first month the pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts differs from person to person and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no one can promise a fixed result. The doctor gives you individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We try to preserve the joint you have rather than replace it, using treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Just your blood and your adipose tissue; donor and synthetic materials are not used
No crutches
Instead of incisions, punctures under local anaesthetic, and no long rehabilitation afterwards
Second opinion
Send any X-rays, MRI or reports and receive an independent assessment from a doctor for free
Support after the procedure
Not just the injection day: we keep in touch after the procedure and monitor the result
Joint treatment prices
How much it costs depends on the joint, the method and the stage of the condition — the doctor tells you after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PRP and SVF?
SVF is a cell fraction isolated from a small sample of your adipose tissue, whereas PRP is platelet-rich plasma prepared from your blood. They work differently and are frequently combined for a stronger regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
With both methods the tissue is your own, so the chance of rejection or an allergic reaction is very low. Any injection can bring temporary pain, swelling or bruising, and infection is rare. The doctor talks you through the risks in your case at the consultation.
How long does the effect last?
That varies. Often the effect after PRP lasts several months up to about a year, and after SVF it can be longer. The duration depends on the stage of the condition and on your body, so a fixed result cannot be promised.
Who should not have the procedure?
Contraindications include cancer, acute infections, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy and a flare-up of a serious chronic illness; in these cases the procedure is not performed. The doctor checks this at the consultation.
Can hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) be treated without surgery?
PRP or SVF injections, combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy, can reduce pain and improve movement at early stages. If damage to the joint is already severe, replacement may be more realistic — the doctor gives an honest answer after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
For early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered: it supports blood supply to the femoral head and can delay the need for a joint replacement. Surgery is usually required later on.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
With early or moderate changes, trying to keep your own joint first is often the sensible path — a replacement means major surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, risks such as infection and implants that might eventually be redone.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes. A doctor will review your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports free of charge once you send them, and explain whether the procedure could suit you and what else might be needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
Usually in a day or two. There are no crutches and no long rehabilitation; for the first weeks the doctor gives recommendations on load and exercise.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
PRP is applied to shoulder joint and rotator cuff problems, and SVF may be considered if arthritis of the shoulder is more advanced. Whether it suits you depends on the cause of the pain — the first thing the doctor establishes.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Antwerp step by step
Knee problems are the most familiar reason to seek help: cartilage wear, meniscus damage, pain on stairs and after walking. Patients from Antwerp with hip, shoulder, ankle, elbow or wrist pain follow the same path — scan review, examination and a clear plan.
It starts with a consultation: the doctor examines the joint and reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. Then a small blood sample and an adipose tissue sample are taken, processed in a centrifuge and injected into the joint under ultrasound guidance. For patients from Antwerp, everything is done in one day.
To get started, send your scans or book a visit. Patients from Antwerp receive a free review, a clear answer on whether treatment is suitable, and the price for their case.
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