1Consultation and scan review
An examination of the joint and a review of your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound let the doctor decide if the procedure is suitable. Existing scans can be sent in advance of the visit.
Arthrosis Treatment in Cologne Without Surgery
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
Consultation and review of your scansFree
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What it is
What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?
Osteoarthritis, which doctors also call arthrosis, is a chronic process of cartilage thinning and wearing away inside a joint. The cartilage is there to absorb shock, and as it deteriorates the bones rub together, producing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It is degenerative rather than inflammatory, although flares with swelling occur.
Joints carrying the greatest load are affected most frequently — the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis), the ankle and the small hand joints. Treatment is most successful at an early or moderate stage, before the joint surfaces are badly damaged; with advanced disease the doctor will honestly say if joint replacement is the more realistic route.
- No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
- Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
- Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Who the treatment suits
Only a doctor, after an examination and a review of scans, decides whether this treatment suits you
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: flu or a cold, fever, or skin inflammation over the joint being 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 opinionGet a free, independent doctor's assessment of your X-rays, MRI or reports — simply send them over
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
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.
4Processing 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.
5Injection into the joint
The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping 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
Your own blood and adipose tissue are the only materials used — nothing donor or synthetic
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.
The typical indication is early or moderate osteoarthritis: the aim is slower cartilage wear and less friction between the surfaces of the joint.
- 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
Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is separated from a small amount of your blood and injected into the joint. It helps calm inflammation and creates better conditions for tissue repair.
Commonly used for mild osteoarthritis — and together with SVF when you need a stronger effect.
- 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
Any joint, large or small — once your scans are reviewed, the doctor settles on the joint, the method and the injection count
KneeMeniscus problems, cartilage wear and pain when walking or on stairs
HipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
ShoulderJoint and tendon wear around it, pain on lifting the arm
ElbowJoint surface wear and pain after overloading or sports strain
Hand and wrist jointsStiff, painful small joints in the fingers and the wrist
AnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Advantages
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Keeping your own joint instead of replacing it: that is the goal of treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Your own blood and adipose tissue are the only materials used — nothing donor or synthetic
No crutches
Instead of incisions we use punctures, under local anaesthetic, with no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Get a free, independent doctor's assessment of your X-rays, MRI or reports — simply send them over
Support after the procedure
Not just the injection day — we stay in touch after the procedure and follow your result
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
The doctor quotes the cost after the consultation, as it depends on the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis
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.
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.
In many cases yes, if you start treatment on time. Injections of SVF and PRP are aimed at easing pain and supporting cartilage without an operation. The last option, joint replacement, is for joints already destroyed.
Many people notice early changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure, while a stable result forms over about six months and lasts from several months to several years depending on the person. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so an ongoing plan is needed rather than one injection.
At early and moderate stages. The milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect cannot be expected.
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.
Typically it progresses, with constant pain, more limited movement, possible joint deformity and difficulty walking. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working together with a doctor make a real difference.
An X-ray is the primary method, and it shows the stage. MRI details the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound shows joint fluid and inflammation, and blood tests help to rule out inflammatory conditions. If you already have test results, the doctor will review them free of charge.
Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage: aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The approach to treatment differs, so the diagnosis comes first.
Yes — send X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them at no charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and, if appropriate, suggest a non-surgical plan.
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.
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.