Cell Therapy for Joints in Belgrade
Cell therapy (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma for knee, hip and shoulder joints and beyond, plus a free look at your scans first
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?
In regenerative joint therapy, two materials from your own body are used — platelet-rich plasma (PRP), taken from blood, and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), taken from a small adipose tissue sample. Once injected into the affected joint, they work to cut pain and inflammation and support the tissues there.
The option is aimed at patients with joint pain who wish to avoid or postpone surgery, or who have only been offered a replacement. The chance of a lasting effect is best at an early stage, which the doctor checks on 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
Any joint, large or small — once the scans are reviewed, the doctor decides on the joint, the method and the number of injections
Elbow
Pain after overload or sports strain, worn surfaces of the joint
Hand and wrist joints
Stiffness and aching in the finger and wrist joints
Knee
Pain climbing stairs or after walking, cartilage wear, meniscus trouble
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Wear of the joint and its tendons, pain when raising the arm
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a combination of cells involved in tissue repair — is isolated by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. It is combined with your plasma and injected into the joint that needs treatment.
It tends to be used when the joint is more visibly changed and a longer-lasting effect is being sought.
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 may be given alone as a course of injections or combined with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, made under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml. No stitches follow.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample goes into a centrifuge, where it separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with your platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
No hospital stay and no crutches. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how your joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, made under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml. No stitches follow.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample goes into a centrifuge, where it separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with your platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
No hospital stay and no crutches. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how your joint responds.
Follow-up visits
You come back for follow-up visits so the doctor can see how the joint responds and refine the plan. Pain usually settles over the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the effect is complete over 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: inflamed skin over the treatment joint, fever, a cold or flu
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 on the same day and are back to normal daily activity within a day or two; small dressings cover the puncture sites. In the first week the joint may ache a bit more, which is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — nobody can promise a fixed result. Your doctor gives individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Our aim is to keep your own joint, not replace it — treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Done through punctures instead of incisions, under local anaesthetic, without long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Share your X-rays, MRI or reports, and a doctor will give an independent opinion free of charge
Support after the procedure
Contact continues after the procedure — we track the result, not just the injection itself
Joint treatment prices
The cost depends on the joint, the stage of the condition and the method, so the doctor names it 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?
PRP is platelet-rich plasma prepared from your blood; SVF is a cell fraction isolated from a small sample of your adipose tissue. They work in different ways and are often combined for a stronger regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
Both approaches use tissue from your own body, which makes rejection or an allergic reaction very unlikely. Temporary pain, swelling or bruising may occur, as after any injection, and infection is rare. The risks for your particular case are explained by the doctor at the consultation.
How long does the effect last?
It is different for everyone: after PRP the effect frequently lasts from several months to roughly a year, and SVF can give a longer effect. The stage of the condition and your body decide the duration, so no fixed result can be promised.
Who should not have the procedure?
Cancer, acute infections, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy and a flare-up of a serious chronic illness all rule the procedure out. The doctor checks this at the consultation.
Can coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) be managed without surgery?
At an early stage, combining PRP or SVF injections with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and help movement. When the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be more realistic, and the doctor will say so honestly after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
Joint replacement involves major surgery and a long rehabilitation, carries risks such as infection, and the implants may eventually have to be redone. With changes that are early or moderate, trying to preserve your own joint first often makes sense.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes — send your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, and a doctor will look at them free of charge, then tell you whether the procedure could suit you and what else may be needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
Usually after a day or two. Crutches and long rehabilitation are not needed; for the first weeks you get recommendations on load and exercise from the doctor.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
PRP is an option for rotator cuff and shoulder joint problems, and SVF can be considered for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder. The doctor first pins down the cause of the pain, and suitability depends on it.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Belgrade step by step
We treat arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, avascular necrosis, meniscus problems and inflammatory joint conditions, and help with rehabilitation after injuries and surgery. Patients from Belgrade can have the elbow, hand and wrist, knee, hip, ankle or shoulder treated.
The procedure in Belgrade takes one day. Blood is taken from a vein for PRP, a small portion of adipose tissue is taken under local anaesthetic without stitches, the material is spun in a centrifuge, and the prepared mix is injected precisely into the affected joint.
The cost of joint treatment depends on the joint, the stage of the condition and the method, so the price is set at the consultation. The initial consultation and review of your scans are free for patients from Belgrade. Leave your name and phone number, and a coordinator will contact you.
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