Osteoarthritis in Belgrade: Treatment by Stage
SVF therapy and PRP injections for arthrosis in knees, hips and other joints — and a complimentary review of your MRI or X-rays to find 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.
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
Any joint, large or small — once your scans are reviewed, the doctor settles on the joint, the method and the injection count
Elbow
Pain from overuse or sports load, with worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Small finger and wrist joints that are stiff and painful
Knee
Cartilage wear with meniscus trouble and pain on stairs or after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Lifting the arm hurts; the joint and surrounding tendons are worn
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
From a small sample of your adipose tissue, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is isolated — a set of cells involved in repairing tissue. Mixed with your own plasma, it is then injected into the joint that is affected.
Its main use is at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis, to slow the wear of cartilage and lessen friction between the joint surfaces.
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.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood 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.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml). No stitches afterwards.
Processing in a centrifuge
After spinning in a centrifuge, the sample forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and no hospital stay. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood 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.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml). No stitches afterwards.
Processing in a centrifuge
After spinning in a centrifuge, the sample forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and no hospital stay. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits show the doctor how your joint responds so the plan can be adjusted; usually pain eases within the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect takes around six months to develop.
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: a cold, flu or fever, or inflamed skin over the joint planned for treatment
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
Typically you go home the same day and return to normal activity within a day or two; the punctures are covered with small dressings. It is expected that the joint may ache a little more in the first week. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and around six months are needed for the full effect. The result's duration is individual and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — a fixed outcome cannot be promised. Regular joint-friendly exercise and a healthy weight help it last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Treatment without surgery — our aim is to keep your own joint, not to replace it
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Local anaesthetic and small punctures in place of incisions — no long recovery programme or rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send X-rays, MRI or reports and receive a doctor's independent assessment for free
Support after the procedure
Not just the injection day — we stay in touch after the procedure and follow your result
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
Pricing depends on which joint, which method and the stage of osteoarthritis; the doctor gives the cost after the consultation
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 is the gradual wearing of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a joint. As the cartilage thins, the joint loses its cushioning; the bones rub together, and pain, stiffness and crunching develop. The condition is degenerative rather than inflammatory.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Many times, yes — when treatment is started without delay. SVF and PRP injections work to ease pain and support the cartilage without any operation; only a destroyed joint calls for replacement, the last option.
How soon will I notice a result?
The first changes are often felt 2–3 weeks after the procedure, and a stable result forms over about six months, lasting several months to several years depending on the person. Osteoarthritis is chronic, which is why it needs an ongoing plan instead of one injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
Early and moderate stages respond best. Generally, the milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect, which may cut the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. When the joint space has almost disappeared at the most advanced stage, a lasting effect cannot be expected.
Which joints are most often affected?
Mostly the heavily loaded knees, hips and ankles, along with the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for all these joints.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
Usually it gets worse — pain turns constant, movement is increasingly limited, the joint can deform and walking may become difficult. Early diagnosis, controlling weight, exercise and cooperation with a doctor 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?
Cartilage wear is osteoarthritis, marked by aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest; inflammation is arthritis, marked by pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Since treatment differs, a 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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Osteoarthritis treatment in Belgrade step by step
Osteoarthritis most often affects the joints that carry the most load: the knee (gonarthrosis) and the hip (coxarthrosis), as well as the ankle and the small joints of the hand. Patients from Belgrade with any of these joints can have their scans reviewed free of charge.
Many patients in Belgrade notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual.
The cost of osteoarthritis treatment depends on the joint, the stage and the method, so the price is set at the consultation. For patients from Belgrade, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.
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