Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment in Antwerp
PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hip and other arthritic joints, plus a free X-ray or MRI review to see which stage you are at
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 is a chronic condition, also referred to as arthrosis, in which the joint's cartilage thins and erodes step by step. As the cushioning layer fails, bones start rubbing together — the source of pain, stiffness and a reduced range of movement. It is a wear-related, degenerative disease; swollen flare-ups can still appear.
Typically the condition affects the joints that take the most strain — the knee (gonarthrosis) and hip (coxarthrosis), plus the ankle and small joints of the hand. It is most effective to treat at early and moderate stages, while the joint surfaces are not yet badly damaged; at a late stage the doctor will tell you openly whether joint replacement makes more sense.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Treatment for both large and small joints — your scans guide the doctor's choice of joint, method and number of injections
Elbow
Pain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
Knee
Worn cartilage, meniscus problems, pain after walking and on stairs
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
We take a small sample of your adipose tissue and process it to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that take part in tissue repair. It is combined with your own plasma and injected into the affected joint.
Early and moderate osteoarthritis is where it is mostly used — to slow cartilage wear and reduce friction between the surfaces of the joint.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A small amount of your blood is used to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the joint. It helps settle inflammation and creates better conditions for tissue repair.
It is frequently used for mild osteoarthritis, and combined with SVF when a stronger effect is required.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
First comes an examination of the joint and a look at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, after which the doctor decides whether the procedure suits you. Already have scans? Send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation separates the sample into layers, and the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, then combined with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
First comes an examination of the joint and a look at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, after which the doctor decides whether the procedure suits you. Already have scans? Send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation separates the sample into layers, and the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, then combined with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
Through follow-up visits the doctor sees how the joint responds and adjusts the plan accordingly — pain usually settles over the first month, mobility improves across about three months, and around six months are needed for the full effect.
Conditions we treat
A doctor decides whether the treatment suits you after examining you and reviewing your scans
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: fever, a cold or flu, skin inflammation over the joint to be treated
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 on the same day and are back to their usual daily activity within a day or two, with small dressings over the puncture sites. The joint may ache a little more during the first week — an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — nobody can promise a fixed result. A healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Our focus is saving your own joint, not replacing it — through treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Nothing synthetic, nothing from donors — only your own blood and adipose tissue are used
No crutches
Punctures in place of incisions, local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation period
Second opinion
Get a free, independent doctor's assessment of your X-rays, MRI or reports — simply send them over
Support after the procedure
The result is followed after the procedure too; we stay in touch, not only on the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
After the consultation the doctor names the cost, which depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method
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?
Gradual wear of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones is what happens in this condition. Thinning cartilage removes the joint's cushioning, the bones rub together, and pain, stiffness and crunching result. It is degenerative, not inflammatory.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Many patients can, if treatment is not delayed. The aim of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, and joint replacement is the last option — for a joint already destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
Many patients see the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result takes about six months to form and can last from several months to several years, depending on the person. Because osteoarthritis is chronic, it needs an ongoing plan, not a single injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
Early and moderate stages. In milder stages the effect is usually faster and longer-lasting, and it may reduce the need for regular injections of hyaluronic acid. At the most advanced stage, where the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect is not to be expected.
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 tends to progress: pain becomes constant, movement more restricted, the joint may deform and walking may become hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor really make a difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
The main tool is an X-ray, showing the stage. For detail on cartilage and soft tissues there is MRI; ultrasound reveals inflammation and fluid in the joint; blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. The doctor can look at results you already have free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
With osteoarthritis the cartilage wears down: you get aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. With arthritis there is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The treatment approach is different, so diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Certainly. Send your MRI, X-rays or test results for a free review: a doctor will assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan if it is appropriate.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes — exercise is encouraged. The right activity builds the muscles that take the load off the joint, improves how the cartilage is nourished and keeps you mobile. Try swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga, and avoid running on hard ground, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.
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Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis treatment in Antwerp step by step
Osteoarthritis is not the same as arthritis. Arthrosis is wear of the cartilage; arthritis is inflammation with pain at rest, swelling and warmth. The approach differs, so the diagnosis comes first for everyone in Antwerp.
Treatment starts with a consultation and a review of your X-rays or MRI to assess the stage. Then blood and a small adipose tissue sample are taken, processed in a centrifuge and injected into the joint under ultrasound guidance. For patients from Antwerp, it is done in one day.
Knee or hip osteoarthritis? Patients from Antwerp can send their X-rays or MRI and get a free assessment of the stage and a clear answer on suitable treatment and its price.
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