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Joint Treatment in Kinshasa: Methods and Steps

For the knee, hip, shoulder and other joints: PRP and cell therapy (SVF). Your scans are reviewed free before you commit

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

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What it is

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.

  • No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
  • Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
  • Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Knee joint: an injection under ultrasound guidance

Who the treatment suits

Your suitability for the treatment is decided by a doctor following an examination and a scan review

Suitable

A doctor reviews knee X-rays with a patient
  • Pain, crunching or stiffness in a joint
  • Painkillers only help for a short time
  • Recovery after injuries and surgery
  • You need a second opinion on your scans
  • You want to avoid or postpone joint replacement
  • Early or moderate arthrosis or arthritis
  • High load on the joints — sport or physical work

Not suitable

A doctor examines a patient's knee
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
  • Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
  • Temporary contraindications: a fever, a cold or flu, inflamed skin over the joint to be treated

Not sure the treatment is right for you?

Leave your number — the coordinator will ask for your scans (X-ray, MRI or ultrasound), and the doctor will tell you whether treatment without surgery suits you.

Find out if it suits me

What we treat

Conditions we treat

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation and scan review

Before anything else, the doctor examines the joint and goes through your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound to see if the procedure is suitable. Scans can be sent to us ahead of time.

Blood sample for PRP2

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.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

The doctor numbs the area with local anaesthetic and takes about 30 ml of adipose tissue through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. Stitches are not needed.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, using ultrasound to place it precisely.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

No crutches, no hospital stay — and after the procedure the doctor keeps in touch to follow the joint's response.

Book a consultation

Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation

A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment
Book a consultation
A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment

Results

After the procedure

  • Doctor talking warmly with a patient after the procedure

    1 week

    The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.

  • Doctor consulting an older patient one month after treatment

    1 month

    The pain usually eases.

  • Doctor explaining progress to a patient using a knee joint model

    ~3 months

    Mobility and activity improve.

  • Doctor and patient walking together at a follow-up visit

    ~6 months

    The full effect develops.

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.

Comparison

Methods we use

We rely solely on your own blood and adipose tissue, without donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

A small sample of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a mix of cells involved in tissue repair. Combined with your own plasma, it is injected into the affected joint.

A doctor explains SVF cell therapy for the knee to a patient on a tablet

It is usually chosen when the changes in the joint are more pronounced and a longer-lasting effect is the goal.

Material
Your adipose tissue and plasma
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood

Your blood, in a small amount, is used to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. This plasma is injected into the joint to help calm inflammation and support tissue repair.

A doctor explains PRP therapy for joints to a patient on a monitor

Used by itself as an injection course, or together with SVF.

Material
Your blood from a vein
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

The benefits and timings shown are averaged and given for guidance: the plan and recovery depend on your joint and individual features, and the doctor confirms them at the consultation.

At the consultation the doctor will review your scans and suggest a treatment plan

Free consultation

Book a consultation

Joints

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

  • KneeKneeWear of the cartilage, meniscus problems, pain on the stairs and after walks
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain when you raise your arm, worn joint and surrounding tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain after overload or sports strain, worn surfaces of the joint
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiffness and pain in the small joints of the fingers and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Keeping your natural joint instead of replacing it is our goal — no surgery involved

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

We rely solely on your own blood and adipose tissue, without donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

No long rehabilitation: punctures instead of incisions, done under local anaesthetic

Second opinion

Second opinion

Forward your X-rays, MRI or reports to get a free, independent assessment from a doctor

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We follow the result after the procedure and stay in contact, not only on the day of the injection

About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient at the clinic

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

Request a free call

Price

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

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Joint treatment in Kinshasa: a short guide

Joint pain does not always mean surgery. In Kinshasa, many people with early or moderate changes in the knee, hip or shoulder first try to preserve their own joint. SVF and PRP injections aim to reduce pain and inflammation and to slow further wear of the cartilage.

PRP can be given as a course of injections or together with SVF. The number of injections and the method are chosen individually for each patient from Kinshasa after the examination and scan review.

Patients from Kinshasa can start with a free second opinion: send your X-rays, MRI, CT or reports, and a doctor will tell you whether SVF or PRP could help. The price of treatment is named at the consultation.

Kinshasa and the question of joint pain

Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its metropolitan area is estimated at around 18,552,800 people as of January 2026. It is a city of long distances, busy markets, crowded minibuses, church services, music evenings and family gatherings. Almost every one of these routines puts load on the knees and hips. People stand at market stalls, climb into vehicles, walk between districts and carry goods, so joint pain quickly becomes a practical problem and not only a medical one.

Many residents of Kinshasa put up with aching knees or a stiff hip for years because the pain seems like a normal price of a demanding urban life. Others try several remedies in a row without a clear diagnosis. A planned conversation with a specialist helps to separate wear of the cartilage, an inflammatory condition, an injury to the meniscus or ligaments and a problem with the blood supply of the femoral head. Each of these needs a different approach, and a different timeline.

City Medical Centre works with patients in Kinshasa through a free online consultation. Coordinators are available 24/7 on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can send your questions, scans and reports from home and receive a structured plan without rearranging your working week.

Climate in Kinshasa and what it means for recovery

Kinshasa has a tropical wet and dry climate. The long rainy season runs from October through May, and a relatively short dry season lasts from June to September. The dry season is slightly cooler than the wet one, but temperatures stay fairly constant through the year. For a person planning joint treatment, this means there is no cold winter to avoid, and the real questions are humidity, heat and rain.

Heat and humidity can increase swelling in the leg after an operation or a procedure. Compression garments, if your surgeon prescribes them, should be breathable and kept clean and dry, because sweat under a tight sleeve irritates the skin near a healing wound. Light, loose clothing over the treated joint is more comfortable than anything stiff. Keep the wound dry and covered as instructed, particularly during heavy downpours, when you may be moving through wet streets.

The rainy months also bring slippery ground and puddles. After knee or hip surgery, a fall is the last thing you want, so choose footwear with a firm grip and use the walking aid the team recommends. Raising the leg while resting, and following the exercise plan, matters more than the season itself.

Choosing the season for treatment in Kinshasa

Because temperatures change little through the year, the choice of season is mostly about logistics. The dry season from June to September offers drier ground and easier movement outside, which can help in the first weeks when walking is limited. The rainy season from October through May is not a barrier to treatment, but you should plan how you will get to follow-up checks and physiotherapy when roads are wet.

Think also about your calendar. Family celebrations, church events, school terms and busy periods at work all shape when a person can truly rest. A joint replacement or arthroscopy needs a period of reduced activity, and it is better to schedule it when someone can help at home with cooking, shopping and errands. Discuss this with a coordinator during the online consultation, and the plan can be built around your real life in Kinshasa.

Conservative care first: what to expect

Not every painful knee or hip needs an operation. Conservative care includes a review of your activity, weight management, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, suitable walking aids and anti-inflammatory strategies chosen by the doctor. The World Health Organization describes obesity and overweight as a major health concern, and extra body weight adds load to the knees and hips, so weight control is often a meaningful part of joint care.

Food culture in Kinshasa is rich and varied, built around staples, fish, vegetables, sauces and shared family meals. There is no need to give up local food. A doctor or dietitian can help you adjust portions and the balance of the plate while keeping the dishes your family enjoys.

For early-stage problems at the hip, the medical team may discuss regenerative support. 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. Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.

Arthritis or wear: recognising the difference

Many people in Kinshasa describe all joint pain with the same word, but the causes differ. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis.

This matters because inflammatory arthritis needs a diagnosis and medical treatment of its cause, and rushing to the operating table may not be the right step. If your pain is worse at night, if the joint is hot or red, or if the stiffness in the morning is long, say so clearly during the consultation. Photos of the joint, a list of medicines you already take and any blood test results will help the doctor reach a sound opinion.

Arthroscopy and joint replacement: who may be a candidate

Arthroscopy is a keyhole approach used for selected problems inside the knee or hip, such as certain meniscus tears or loose fragments. It is not a universal cure for worn cartilage, and a surgeon will tell you honestly whether it suits your case. Joint replacement is considered when pain and loss of movement seriously limit daily life and simpler measures no longer help.

In general terms, good candidates are people whose imaging shows significant joint damage, whose symptoms match the scans, and who are able to take part in rehabilitation. Factors that call for extra caution include active infection, poorly controlled diabetes, serious heart or lung disease, uncontrolled blood pressure and very low motivation for exercise. These are general principles only. The final decision belongs to the surgeon after reviewing your full records.

For many residents of Kinshasa, the practical question is whether they will have support at home during recovery. Stairs, shared courtyards and uneven ground near the house all influence the plan, and it is sensible to mention them early.

Work, study, sport and family life after treatment

Kinshasa is the leading economic, political and cultural centre of the country, with banking, telecommunications, manufacturing and entertainment. Office workers can often return to desk tasks sooner than people whose work means standing all day, lifting or walking long distances, such as traders, drivers and builders. Tell the team exactly what your job involves so that the return date is realistic and your joint is not overloaded too early.

Students at the city's universities and schools should plan treatment around exam periods and arrange for lecture notes or remote support during the early phase. Those who love sport, whether football, dance or walking with friends, should ask when each activity can be resumed and in which order. Pool and sport timing must follow the surgeon's instruction for your specific procedure and should not be guessed from what a friend experienced.

Music and dance are a big part of the city's culture. If dancing at family events matters to you, say so, because it helps the physiotherapist set a goal that feels meaningful. Be patient, since a joint heals on its own schedule, and returning to full movement is built up in stages.

How the remote consultation from Kinshasa works

The process starts with a message to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram. You describe the main complaint, which joint hurts, for how long, and what has been tried. Then you send what you have: X-rays, MRI or CT images, ultrasound reports, blood tests and a list of current medicines. Clear photos of the images and documents are usually enough to begin.

A specialist reviews the material and holds a free online consultation. You can ask about the likely diagnosis, the options from conservative care to arthroscopy and joint replacement, the stages of preparation and what rehabilitation looks like. Coordinators are available around the clock, so you can write at an hour that suits your schedule, even after a long day in the city.

After the consultation you receive a written outline of the recommended steps. There is no obligation to proceed, and you can take time to talk with your family before deciding.

Questions to ask the surgeon

Prepare a short list before the call. Which diagnosis is most likely, and which tests confirm it? Is conservative care still reasonable, or has the joint reached a stage where surgery is usually required? What are the alternatives to replacement in my case? What kind of anaesthesia is proposed, and how long will I stay under supervision?

Ask what the rehabilitation plan looks like week by week, which exercises I should do at home, when I may walk without support, drive, return to work and resume sport. Ask which warning signs, such as increasing redness, fever, growing swelling or sudden pain, mean that I must contact the team immediately. Ask also how follow-up will be arranged remotely once I am back in my daily routine in Kinshasa.

Write the answers down or ask a relative to listen with you. Good preparation reduces anxiety and makes it easier to follow instructions later.

Can I have the first consultation from Kinshasa without leaving home?

Yes. The consultation is free and online. You contact the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, send your scans and reports, and a specialist reviews them with you.

Are coordinators available at night?

Yes. Coordinators work 24/7 on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can write at any time that suits you.

Does every painful knee or hip need surgery?

No. Many cases begin with conservative care such as exercise, weight management and medical treatment. Surgery is considered when the joint damage and symptoms justify it, and the specialist will explain the reasoning.

What is SVF therapy and when is it considered?

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.

How is the tissue for SVF taken?

Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.

How can I tell arthritis from ordinary wear?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

Does the climate of Kinshasa affect recovery?

The climate is tropical with a long rainy season from October through May and a shorter dry season from June to September. Heat and humidity can increase swelling, so breathable clothing, a dry wound and careful footwear on wet ground are useful general measures.

When can I go back to work?

It depends on the procedure and on your job. Desk work usually allows an earlier return than work that involves standing, lifting or long walks. The surgeon will give you a timeline for your case.

Does body weight matter for joint treatment?

Yes. Extra weight increases the load on the knees and hips, and the World Health Organization treats obesity and overweight as an important health issue. Weight management is often part of conservative care.

What should I prepare before the online consultation?

Collect your images, reports, blood tests and the list of medicines you take, and write down your symptoms, their duration and the questions you want to ask.