Osteoarthritis Treatment in Adelaide: Steps and Results
We treat arthrosis in the knee, hip and other joints with SVF cell therapy and PRP, and review your X-rays or MRI for free to judge the stage
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 osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?
Osteoarthritis, also called arthrosis, is a chronic condition in which the cartilage lining a joint gradually thins and wears away. Cartilage works as a shock absorber; as it breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and a smaller range of movement. It is a degenerative rather than an inflammatory disease, although flare-ups with swelling do happen.
Knees (gonarthrosis) and hips (coxarthrosis) are affected most, since they carry the greatest load, followed by the ankle and the small joints of the hand. The treatment works best early or at a moderate stage, before the joint surfaces are badly worn; in advanced cases the doctor will tell you frankly if a joint replacement is more realistic.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
From large joints to small ones — which joint, which method and how many injections is decided after the doctor studies your scans
Elbow
Pain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Stiffness and aching in the fingers' and wrist's small joints
Knee
Stairs and walking cause pain; cartilage wear and meniscus problems
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain while raising the arm and wear of the joint and its tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A little of your adipose tissue is taken and processed so that the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) can be separated: cells that help tissues repair. This is combined with your own plasma and injected into the joint affected by the disease.
It is chosen mostly for early and moderate osteoarthritis, where it slows cartilage wear and reduces friction between joint surfaces.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
From a little of your blood, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is separated and injected into the joint. It calms inflammation and gives tissue repair better conditions.
It is a common option in mild osteoarthritis and is combined with SVF where a stronger effect is needed.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The joint is examined, your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed, and the doctor decides if the procedure is right for you. Any scans you have can be sent prior to the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the inner thigh or abdomen under local anaesthetic. No stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged so that it splits into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping place it precisely.
Follow-up
No hospital stay and no crutches are needed. After the procedure, the doctor remains in touch and tracks how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The joint is examined, your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed, and the doctor decides if the procedure is right for you. Any scans you have can be sent prior to the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the inner thigh or abdomen under local anaesthetic. No stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged so that it splits into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping place it precisely.
Follow-up
No hospital stay and no crutches are needed. After the procedure, the doctor remains in touch and tracks how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
At the follow-up visits the doctor reviews the joint's response and adjusts the plan. Expect pain to ease over the first month, mobility to improve over about three months and the full effect to develop over around six months.
Conditions we treat
The doctor decides on suitability once you have been examined and your scans have been reviewed
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: skin inflammation over the treated joint, a cold or flu, fever
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 the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are covered with small dressings. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Over the first month the pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. 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. Keeping a healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We work to keep the joint you have instead of replacing it, using treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own adipose tissue and blood — no synthetic or donor material
No crutches
Punctures instead of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send your reports, X-rays or MRI, and a doctor will independently assess them free of charge
Support after the procedure
We keep in contact after the procedure and monitor the result, rather than stopping on the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The doctor quotes the cost after the consultation, as it depends on the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis
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 osteoarthritis in simple terms?
It means gradual wear of the cartilage on the ends of the bones in a joint. With thinning cartilage the joint loses cushioning, bones rub against each other and pain, stiffness and crunching set in — a degenerative, not an inflammatory, condition.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
In many cases, yes — if treatment is not delayed. SVF and PRP injections aim to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation. Joint replacement is the last option, for when the joint is already destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
The first changes are often noticed 2–3 weeks after the procedure. Over about six months a stable result forms, lasting anywhere from several months to several years depending on the individual. Osteoarthritis is chronic and calls for an ongoing plan rather than one injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
It is used at early and moderate stages; the milder the stage, the faster and more lasting the effect usually is, possibly reducing the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage — joint space almost gone — a lasting effect is not realistic.
Which joints are most often affected?
The joints that carry the most load: the knees, hips and ankles, as well as the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for all of these joints.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
It usually moves forward: the pain stops going away, movement is more and more limited, the joint may deform and walking may get difficult. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and a doctor's involvement make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
Diagnosis relies mainly on an X-ray, which shows the stage. MRI adds a detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound picks up inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help exclude inflammatory conditions. Any results you have can be reviewed by the doctor free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage, with aching pain on moving, crunching and stiffness after rest; arthritis is inflammation, with pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The treatment is not the same, so diagnosis must come first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
You can. Once you send your X-rays, MRI or test results, a doctor reviews them free of charge, assesses the osteoarthritis stage and suggests a non-surgical plan if it fits.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Definitely yes. The right kind of activity strengthens muscles that unload the joint, supports cartilage nutrition and preserves mobility. Pick swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga; steer clear of running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.
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How osteoarthritis is treated without surgery for Adelaide residents
Osteoarthritis, also called arthrosis, is a chronic condition in which the cartilage of a joint gradually thins and wears away. For patients from Adelaide, it usually shows as aching pain on movement, stiffness after rest and crunching in the joint.
Follow-up visits let the doctor see how the joint responds. In Adelaide, check-ups after one, three and six months help adjust the plan and decide whether a repeat course is needed.
Book a free consultation in Adelaide to find out whether SVF or PRP could slow your osteoarthritis. The doctor names the price after examining the joint.
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