1Consultation 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.
Osteoarthritis Treatment in Barcelona
Knee, hip or another joint affected by arthrosis? SVF cell therapy and PRP, with a no-cost look at your X-rays or MRI to define the stage
Consultation and review of your scansFree
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What it is
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.
Most often it hits the most heavily loaded joints — knee (gonarthrosis) and hip (coxarthrosis) — along with the ankle and the small hand joints. Early and moderate stages respond best, before serious damage to the joint surfaces; at an advanced stage the doctor will be honest with you if replacing the joint is the more realistic path.
- No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
- Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
- Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Who the treatment suits
Whether this treatment is right for you is a doctor's decision, made after an examination and a scan review
Suitable
- 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
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Blood clotting disorders
- Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
- Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
- Temporary contraindications: fever, flu or a cold, inflamed skin over the joint that is 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 meWhat we treat
Conditions we treat
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions- Second opinionSend your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will give an independent assessment free of charge
How it works
How the procedure goes: step by step
1
2Blood sample for PRP
We take a small amount of blood from a vein, which is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
3Adipose tissue sample
Local anaesthetic is used while a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. The site needs no stitches.
4Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation separates the sample into layers, and the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, then combined with platelet-rich plasma.
5Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
6Follow-up
No hospital stay and no crutches are needed. After the procedure, the doctor remains in touch and tracks how the joint responds.
Book a consultation
Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation
Results
After the procedure
1 week
The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.
1 month
The pain usually eases.
~3 months
Mobility and activity improve.
~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 material from your body — blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic products
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.
Mainly at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis — to reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow down cartilage wear.
- 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
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.
Often chosen for mild osteoarthritis, and paired with SVF if a stronger effect is needed.
- 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
Joints
Joints we treat
Both large and small joints — after reviewing your scans, the doctor selects the joint, the method and how many injections you need
KneeMeniscus issues, wearing cartilage, stairs and walking bring pain
HipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
ShoulderPain on raising the arm; wear of the joint and the tendons around it
ElbowPain linked to overuse or sports strain and worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist jointsPain with stiffness in the small joints of fingers and wrist
AnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Advantages
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We work on keeping your own joint rather than replacing it — treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only material from your body — blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic products
No crutches
Punctures, not incisions; local anaesthetic; no prolonged rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will give an independent assessment free of charge
Support after the procedure
After the procedure, we keep in touch and watch the result — our work does not end on the injection day
About the clinic
A clinic where you can feel at ease
Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient
Contact us the way that suits you
We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation
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Request a free callPrice
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
After the consultation the doctor names the cost, which depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method
Consultation and review of your scans
Free
Book — Consultation and review of your scansPRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma)
Price at consultation
Book — PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma)Cell therapy (SVF + PRP), one joint
Price at consultation
Book — Cell therapy (SVF + PRP), one joint
FAQ
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
Doctors usually describe four stages, from early thinning of the cartilage to severe wear. Injection treatment is most often considered in the early and middle stages; the doctor decides after reviewing your X-ray or MRI.
The cartilage over the bone ends of a joint gradually wears out. As it becomes thinner, cushioning is lost and the bones rub against each other, bringing pain, stiffness and crunching. This is a degenerative disease, not an inflammatory one.
Frequently yes, if treatment is not delayed. With SVF and PRP injections the aim is pain relief and cartilage support without an operation. Joint replacement remains the last option, used when the joint is already destroyed.
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 early and moderate stages. The milder the stage, the quicker and more lasting the effect tends to be, and it may reduce how often hyaluronic acid injections are needed. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has nearly gone, a lasting effect should not be expected.
The joints with the highest load, namely knees, hips and ankles, as well as the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment covers all of these joints.
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.
An X-ray is the main method and shows the stage. MRI gives a detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound shows inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. If you already have results, the doctor can review them free of charge.
The difference: osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage (aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest), while arthritis is inflammation (pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness, warmth over the joint). Treatment differs, which is why diagnosis comes first.
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.
You can and should. Appropriate activity strengthens the supporting muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps mobility. Good options: swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking, yoga. Avoid: running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting, sudden movements.
About the conditions
More about these conditions
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.
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.
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.