Joint Treatment for Patients from Harare

One is plasma, one is cells: PRP is platelet-rich plasma from your blood, SVF a cell fraction from a small adipose tissue sample. As they act in different ways, doctors often combine them to boost the regenerative effect in the joint.

Because both methods use your own tissue, the risk of rejection or allergy is very low. As with any injection, there may be temporary pain, swelling or bruising, and infection is rare. At the consultation the doctor explains the risks in your case.

It varies. After PRP the effect often lasts from several months to about a year; after SVF it can last longer. Duration depends on the stage of the condition and on your body, so no one can promise a fixed result.

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.

In the early stages, PRP or SVF injections together with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can ease pain and improve movement. If the joint is already severely damaged, a replacement may be the more realistic choice — the doctor will tell you honestly once they have seen your scans.

SVF therapy at early stages (1–2) may be considered to support blood flow to the femoral head and push back the need for joint replacement. Later stages generally need surgery.

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.

Yes. After you send your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, a doctor reviews them at no cost and tells you whether the procedure could be suitable and what else may be required.

Typically within a day or two. You need no crutches and no long rehabilitation, and the doctor advises you on exercise and load for the first weeks.

The doctor first establishes what is causing the pain: PRP is used for shoulder joint and rotator cuff problems, and SVF may be considered for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder. Suitability depends on that cause.