Joint Treatment in Yaoundé: Methods and Steps

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.

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.

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.

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.

At early stages, PRP or SVF injections combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and improve movement. If the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be the more realistic option — the doctor will tell you honestly after seeing your scans.

In the early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support the blood supply to the femoral head and put off the need for joint replacement. Later stages usually require surgery.

Replacement means major surgery, a long rehabilitation, risks including infection and implants that may eventually have to be redone. When changes are early or moderate, trying to preserve your own joint first often makes sense.

Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, and a doctor will review them free of charge and tell you whether the procedure could suit you and what else may be needed.

Generally in a day or two. No crutches are needed and there is no long rehabilitation; the doctor tells you how to handle load and exercise during the first weeks.

For the rotator cuff and the shoulder joint, PRP is used; SVF may be considered in more advanced shoulder arthritis. Whether this is right for you depends on the cause of the pain, which the doctor determines first.