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Knee and Hip Treatment in Makurdi Without Surgery

SVF cell therapy and PRP for knees, hips, shoulders and other joints — with a free scan review before you decide anything

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?

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.

  • 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

The decision on whether the treatment suits you is made by a doctor, after an examination and a look at your scans

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 cold or flu, fever, inflamed skin above 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

The doctor assesses the joint in person and reviews X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, then decides if you are a candidate for the procedure. Scans you have can be sent before the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

From a vein, a small amount of blood is taken. It is later used to prepare plasma rich in platelets and growth factors.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

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.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

Once spun in a centrifuge, the sample separates into layers, and the stromal vascular fraction isolated from it is mixed with platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

Ultrasound guidance allows the prepared material to be injected precisely, directly into the affected joint.

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

Only your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material is used

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

A little of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate SVF — the stromal vascular fraction, which contains cells involved in repairing tissue. It is then combined with your own plasma and injected into the 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

Plasma containing many platelets and growth factors is prepared from a small amount of your blood and injected into the joint, helping inflammation settle and creating better conditions for repair.

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

It can be a course of injections on its own or be combined 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

Large or small, each joint is assessed on your scans first — then the doctor chooses the method and how many injections are needed

  • KneeKneePain climbing stairs or after walking, cartilage wear, meniscus trouble
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain when you raise your arm, worn joint and surrounding tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain from overuse or sports strain, worn joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiffness and pain in the small joints of the hand and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We focus on preserving your own joint instead of replacing it, without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

Only your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material is used

No crutches

No crutches

Local anaesthetic and punctures in place of incisions mean no long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Share your X-rays, MRI or reports, and a doctor will give an independent opinion free of charge

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

Beyond the day of the injection, we keep in touch after the procedure and follow your result

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 doctor names the cost after the consultation, as it depends on the joint, the method and the stage of the condition

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Joint treatment in Makurdi: what you should know

If you have been told that joint replacement is the only choice, a second opinion is worth getting. In Makurdi, you can send your scans and reports for a free independent assessment before making any decision about surgery.

Keeping a healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer. The doctor explains which activities suit your joint and which loads to avoid — the same advice applies to every patient in Makurdi.

The price depends on how many joints are treated and which method is chosen. For patients from Makurdi, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at the consultation, which is free.

Makurdi and its joints: why the question comes up

Makurdi is the capital of Benue State, in the Middle Belt of central Nigeria, on the Benue River. In 2017, Makurdi's urban population was 517,342. A city of this size has many people whose daily life depends on working knees and hips: traders on their feet for long hours, farmers and farm workers, teachers, students, civil servants, drivers and people who keep up with sport and family duties.

The city is a commercial hub for the Middle Belt, and its economy rests on trade and agriculture. Produce such as yams and cassava moves through the Makurdi Modern Market. Loading, carrying, bending and long periods of standing or squatting are normal parts of working life here. Over the years they add to the load on cartilage, and many people only start asking about joint treatment when pain begins to limit work, prayer, church attendance, family events or simple walking.

This text is written for people in Makurdi who are weighing options for knee or hip problems: conservative care, arthroscopy and joint replacement. It explains how the decision is usually made, how the local climate and routines affect recovery, and how to prepare questions for a specialist during a remote consultation.

Conservative care first: what usually comes before surgery

Most joint stories begin without an operation. Conservative care means a structured plan: an accurate diagnosis, activity adjustment, physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee or hip, pain and inflammation control prescribed by a doctor, and work on body weight where it is relevant. The WHO describes excess weight as a recognised health problem, and for the knee and hip it simply means extra load with every step.

For someone in Makurdi, conservative care has to fit real life. A market trader cannot always rest the leg for weeks, and a farmer cannot stop work during a busy period. A good plan is therefore built around the person's day: which tasks can be done sitting, which loads can be shared, how to pace walking between the south and north banks, and which exercises can be done at home without special equipment.

Some patients are also offered regenerative approaches. In the medical material we use, 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. Whether such an option suits you depends on imaging and on the stage of the disease, which only a specialist can judge.

Arthritis or wear: recognising what is happening in the joint

Not every painful joint is worn out. 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 differs from the gradual mechanical wear that gives pain mostly during walking and eases with rest.

The distinction matters because the treatment differs. An inflamed joint needs the cause identified and treated, and an early operation may not be the right step. If you live in Makurdi and notice that your knee is warm and swollen in the morning, that stiffness lasts a long time, or that night pain wakes you, say so clearly during the consultation and mention whether other joints, the skin or the back are also affected.

Keep a short diary for two weeks before the online consultation: when the pain is worst, what makes it better, whether the joint swells after a long day at work or after a church service, and how far you can walk before stopping. Such notes help a specialist far more than the single word “pain”.

Arthroscopy: when a keyhole look into the joint makes sense

Arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure in which a small camera and fine instruments are used to inspect and treat the inside of a joint, most often the knee. It is generally considered for specific problems such as a torn meniscus fragment, loose pieces inside the joint or certain ligament and cartilage injuries. It is not a universal remedy for every aching knee, and a good surgeon will tell you honestly when it will not help.

For active people in Makurdi, for example those who play football or other sports on weekends or work in physically demanding jobs, a sports injury is a typical reason for this question. Bring the details of the incident: how the knee twisted, whether it locked or gave way, and whether swelling appeared at once or later. Scan reports and images, if you have them, can be shared during the remote consultation.

Recovery after arthroscopy is usually lighter than after replacement, but it still needs a controlled return to load. Ask the surgeon about the exact schedule for your case instead of relying on what neighbours or colleagues experienced, since each joint and each injury is different.

Joint replacement: who is a candidate and who should wait

Joint replacement is considered when the joint is severely damaged, pain remains despite properly applied conservative care, and daily life is clearly restricted: sleep is disturbed, walking is limited, stairs are difficult. As noted above, at later stages of conditions such as femoral head damage, surgery is usually required.

In general terms, the specialist looks at the stage on imaging, general health, body weight, blood sugar, heart and lung condition, the state of the skin and teeth, and any hidden infection. Active infection, uncontrolled chronic illness or unrealistic expectations are reasons to pause and prepare first. Being a smoker or having poorly controlled diabetes can also affect healing and should be discussed openly.

In a city like Makurdi, where many people carry family and work responsibilities, the question of timing is practical. Replacement is a planned operation, so it is wise to arrange it when someone can help at home, when the workload can be reduced and when you can follow the rehabilitation plan without pressure to return early.

Climate of the Benue valley and recovery

Because Makurdi lies in the valley of the Benue River, it is warm for most of the year. The period from November to January, when the harmattan is felt, is relatively cooler. This affects recovery in several practical ways.

In the warm months, heat can increase swelling in the operated leg, so rest with the leg raised, loose breathable clothing and plenty of drinking water are useful. Compression garments, if the surgeon prescribes them, should be chosen in soft breathable fabric and worn exactly as instructed, with the skin checked daily for irritation or sweat rash. Avoid long exposure of scars to strong sun; keep them covered with clothing as the doctor advises.

During the harmattan the air is drier and dustier. Dust and dry air are a concern for wound care, so dressings must stay clean and dry, and the home should be kept tidy and ventilated. Cooler mornings can feel comfortable for gentle walking exercises, though stiff joints may feel tighter on cool mornings, so warm up slowly. Swimming in the river or pools should not be considered until the surgeon confirms that the wounds are fully healed. Ask your surgeon for guidance on water, pools and sport specific to your operation.

Choosing the season and planning around city life

There is no single ideal month for joint treatment in Makurdi. The choice depends on your health, the urgency of the problem and what is happening in your household. Many people prefer the cooler November to January period for the first weeks of recovery because heat and swelling are easier to control, but this is a convenience, not a medical rule. If the joint is deteriorating quickly, waiting for a season is not sensible.

Think about the calendar of your life: school and university terms for students at the local universities, farming activities, market peaks, weddings, funerals and festivals that bring long days of sitting, standing and dancing. Food culture also plays a part. Meals based on yam, cassava and rice are filling; during recovery, a balanced plate with protein, vegetables and fruit supports healing, and heavy, very salty or very sugary dishes should be eaten moderately, especially if weight is already an issue.

Plan the home too: a stable chair with arms, a clear path from bed to bathroom, no loose mats, and a raised seat in the toilet if the hip is operated. Agree in advance who will cook, shop and help with the first days. Preparation like this often matters as much as the operation itself.

Return to work, study and sport

Return to normal life is gradual and depends on the procedure. After conservative treatment, activity is adjusted step by step. After arthroscopy, light desk or classroom work usually comes sooner than heavy manual work. After joint replacement, the surgeon sets the timetable for walking aids, driving, standing work and sport. Do not set the date yourself based on a friend's story.

A teacher or office worker in Makurdi, for example in one of the government offices or schools, can often return to seated duties earlier than a trader who lifts goods or a farmer who works on uneven ground. For physical jobs, ask directly which tasks must be avoided and for how long, and whether a temporary change of duties is possible.

Sport is also stepwise. Walking and gentle strengthening come first; running, football and jumping come later, and only after the surgeon agrees. Some activities may be advised against after a replacement. Ask which sports you can safely return to, which you should replace, and what warning signs mean you should stop and call the coordinator or your doctor.

How the remote consultation works from Makurdi

The first consultation is free and online, so you can take part from home in Makurdi without leaving the city. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram. You write in a convenient message, describe the problem and send what you have: scan images, reports, a list of medicines and notes about your symptoms.

The specialist reviews the material, asks clarifying questions and explains what the findings may mean, which options exist and what additional tests may be needed. You are not asked to decide during the first conversation. Take time, talk with your family and write down further questions.

Prepare in advance: which joint hurts, since when, what you already tried, chronic illnesses, allergies, current medicines and previous operations. A stable phone connection and a quiet moment are enough. If you want a relative to join the chat, say so; many families in Makurdi prefer to decide together.

Questions to ask the surgeon

A good consultation is a conversation. Useful questions: What exactly is the diagnosis and its stage? Is conservative care still reasonable, and for how long? What are the alternatives to the operation proposed? What does the procedure involve, and what type of anaesthesia is planned? What does the hospital stay and rehabilitation look like? What are the possible complications, and how are they recognised early?

Also ask practical questions linked to life in Makurdi: how to manage heat and swelling, which clothes and compression garments are suitable for a warm climate, how to keep the wound clean during dusty periods, when you can sit on the floor or squat if your daily habits or religious practice require it, and how to climb steps at home.

Finally, ask who you can contact after the procedure when a question arises. Knowing that you can reach a coordinator at any hour gives much reassurance during the first weeks at home.

Do I always need an operation if my knee or hip hurts?

No. Many problems are managed with conservative care: diagnosis, physiotherapy, medication chosen by a doctor, weight control and activity changes. Surgery is considered when the joint is badly damaged and daily life is clearly limited.

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. Wear usually gives pain mainly with load that eases with rest. Only a doctor can confirm which one you have.

Is the online consultation really free, and can I use it from Makurdi?

Yes. The first consultation is free and online, so you can take part from Makurdi. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram.

What can I send before the consultation?

Send scan images and reports if you have them, a list of current medicines, notes about chronic illnesses and allergies, and a short diary of your symptoms. Even without scans you can start the conversation and get advice on which tests to do.

What is SVF therapy and who is it for?

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. A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, and no stitches are needed. At later stages surgery is usually required. Suitability is decided by a specialist.

Does the warm climate of Makurdi affect recovery?

Yes, in general ways. Makurdi is warm most of the year, and heat can increase swelling, so rest with the leg raised, breathable clothing and good hydration help. In the harmattan period from November to January the air is cooler but dusty, so keep dressings clean and dry.

Should I wait for the cooler months to have treatment?

Many people find the cooler period more comfortable for the first weeks of recovery, but it is not a medical requirement. If the joint is getting worse quickly, the timing should follow the medical need, not the season.

When can I go back to work, study and sport?

It depends on the procedure and on your job. Seated work usually resumes earlier than heavy manual work, and sport comes last, step by step. Your surgeon sets the timetable for your case, so ask about it before the operation.

Who is not a good candidate for joint replacement right now?

In general terms, people with active infection, poorly controlled chronic illness such as diabetes, or unrealistic expectations should first stabilise their condition. The specialist will review your health and tell you what needs to be prepared.

Does excess weight matter for my joints?

Yes. Extra body weight increases the load on the knees and hips, and the WHO treats overweight as a significant health issue. A gradual, doctor-approved plan for weight and activity can ease symptoms and prepare you better for any later treatment.