Osteoarthritis Treatment in Chicago
SVF cell therapy and PRP for knee, hip and other joints affected by arthrosis. A free review of your X-rays or MRI to check 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)?
In osteoarthritis, sometimes called arthrosis, the joint's cartilage lining wears away bit by bit over years. That cartilage normally absorbs shock; once it breaks down, bone rubs on bone and the joint becomes painful, stiff and less mobile. It is a disease of wear rather than inflammation, even if episodes of swelling happen.
It tends to strike the joints under most load: knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis), ankle and the small joints of the hand. The best outcomes come at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces suffer major damage; at an advanced stage the doctor will be straightforward about joint replacement if it is the more realistic option.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large joints and small joints — having reviewed your scans, the doctor chooses which joint, which method and how many injections
Elbow
Pain linked to overuse or sports strain and worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Small joints of the fingers and wrist: pain and stiffness
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
Pain as the arm goes up, wear in the joint and surrounding tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
The method uses the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that support tissue repair, isolated by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint along with your own plasma.
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 blood sample provides plasma rich in platelets and growth factors; this is injected into the joint to help ease inflammation and create better conditions for the tissue to repair.
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
Examination of the joint plus a review of your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound tells the doctor whether the procedure is suitable. If you have scans already, you can send them before the appointment.
Blood sample for PRP
A small amount of blood is taken from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
The doctor numbs the area with local anaesthetic and takes about 30 ml of adipose tissue through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh; stitches are not required.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is spun in a centrifuge and separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material goes straight into the affected joint; ultrasound guidance helps position 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
Examination of the joint plus a review of your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound tells the doctor whether the procedure is suitable. If you have scans already, you can send them before the appointment.
Blood sample for PRP
A small amount of blood is taken from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
The doctor numbs the area with local anaesthetic and takes about 30 ml of adipose tissue through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh; stitches are not required.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is spun in a centrifuge and separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material goes straight into the affected joint; ultrasound guidance helps position 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
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
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: a fever, a cold or flu, or 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 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
Our focus is saving your own joint, not replacing it — through treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Just your blood and your adipose tissue — no synthetic material and nothing from donors
No crutches
Instead of incisions we use punctures, under local anaesthetic, with 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
Our care goes beyond the day of the injection: we keep in touch and follow the result
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 is gradual wear of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. When the cartilage thins, the joint loses its cushioning, the bones rub against each other, and pain, stiffness and crunching appear. It is a degenerative condition, not an inflammatory one.
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 report the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result develops over about six months and lasts from several months to several years depending on the individual. Because osteoarthritis is chronic, the approach is an ongoing plan rather than a single injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
It works at early and moderate stages: a milder stage usually means a faster and more durable effect and may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, with the joint space almost gone, you cannot expect a lasting effect.
Which joints are most often affected?
Knees, hips and ankles, as the joints carrying the most load, plus the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for each of 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?
Mainly with an X-ray, which reveals the stage. MRI shows the cartilage and soft tissues in detail, ultrasound shows fluid and inflammation in the joint, and blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. If you have results already, the doctor can review them at no charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
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.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan if it is appropriate.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
It is not only possible but advisable. Proper activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and maintains your mobility. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; running on hard surfaces, jumps, heavy lifting and sudden movements are to be avoided.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis in Chicago: from X-ray to follow-up
For patients from Chicago, the aim is to keep your own joint as long as possible. The milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections.
During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, and mobility improves over about three months. Patients from Chicago go home the same day.
A consultation is the first step for every patient from Chicago. It is free, and after it you know the stage, the method and the cost of treatment.
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