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SVF and PRP for Osteoarthritis in Entebbe

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

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

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What it is

What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?

Osteoarthritis — also known as arthrosis — is a chronic disease in which joint cartilage steadily wears thin. Cartilage acts as a cushion, so as it breaks down the bones begin to rub, leading to pain, stiffness and less movement. It is degenerative in nature rather than inflammatory, but flare-ups with swelling still occur.

  • No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
  • Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
  • Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Knee joint: an injection under ultrasound guidance

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

A doctor reviews knee X-rays with a patient
  • 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

A doctor examines a patient's knee
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
  • Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
  • Temporary contraindications: a cold, flu or fever, or inflamed skin over the joint planned for treatment

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 me

What we treat

Conditions we treat

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation 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.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

A little blood is drawn from a vein; platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from it later.

Adipose tissue sample3

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 centrifuge4

Processing 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.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

No crutches are needed and there is no hospital stay. The doctor keeps in touch after the procedure to see how the joint responds.

Book a consultation

Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation

A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment
Book a consultation
A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment

Results

After the procedure

  • Doctor talking warmly with a patient after the procedure

    1 week

    The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.

  • Doctor consulting an older patient one month after treatment

    1 month

    The pain usually eases.

  • Doctor explaining progress to a patient using a knee joint model

    ~3 months

    Mobility and activity improve.

  • Doctor and patient walking together at a follow-up visit

    ~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 your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

Processing a small portion of your adipose tissue yields the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a cell mix involved in tissue repair. The doctor combines it with your own plasma and injects it into the affected joint.

A doctor explains SVF cell therapy for the knee to a patient on a tablet

Its main use is at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis, to slow the wear of cartilage and lessen friction between the joint surfaces.

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

We separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors from a small blood sample and inject it into the joint. This helps quieten inflammation and supports better conditions for tissue repair.

A doctor explains PRP therapy for joints to a patient on a monitor

It is frequently used for mild osteoarthritis, and combined with SVF when a stronger effect is required.

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

Book a consultation

Joints

Joints we treat

Large joints and small joints — having reviewed your scans, the doctor chooses which joint, which method and how many injections

  • KneeKneeWorn cartilage and meniscus problems; pain after walking and on the stairs
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsSmall finger and wrist joints that are stiff and painful
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Treatment without surgery that works to keep your own joint rather than swap it for an implant

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

Only punctures, no incisions — under local anaesthetic and without a long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Share your X-rays, MRI or medical reports and get a free, independent assessment from a doctor

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We follow the result and keep in touch after the procedure, not only on the day of the injection

About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient at the clinic

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

Request a free call

Price

Osteoarthritis treatment prices

The doctor names the cost after the consultation — it depends on the joint, the method and how advanced the osteoarthritis is

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Osteoarthritis treatment in Entebbe: what you should know

Without treatment, osteoarthritis usually progresses: pain becomes constant, movement becomes limited and the joint may deform. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor make a real difference for every patient in Entebbe.

Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. In Entebbe, the doctor combines SVF or PRP with advice on weight, exercise and load for the joint.

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 Entebbe, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.

Entebbe and osteoarthritis: why joint health matters on the lake peninsula

Entebbe sits on a peninsula of Lake Victoria in Central Uganda. It was once the seat of government of the Protectorate of Uganda before independence in 1962, and it is still home to State House, the official office and residence of the President. The national population census of 27 August 2014 put the population of Entebbe at 69,958. It is a compact, green, lakeside town where many people walk, work on their feet, climb stairs and spend time outdoors. All of that puts steady load on the knees, hips and hands.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and that is the key idea for anyone in Entebbe who is thinking about treatment. Cartilage wears, the joint reacts, and pain, stiffness and reduced movement build up over months and years. Because the disease is chronic, it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. The plan usually combines movement, weight management, daily-life adjustments and, where suitable, a regenerative procedure based on the patient's own adipose tissue.

City Medical Centre works with residents of Entebbe through a free online consultation. Coordinators are available 24/7 on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can send your questions and your existing records from home or from the office, at the time that suits your day. This text explains how the treatment fits into life in Entebbe, what to prepare, and what to ask before deciding.

How the procedure works, step by step

The method uses your own tissue. Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. The tissue is then processed and used in the treatment plan agreed with the doctor. Because the puncture is small and the anaesthetic is local, patients usually think of it as a short procedure rather than an operation in the classical sense.

For a person in Entebbe the practical question is how this fits into a normal week. The puncture area on the abdomen or inner thigh is small and is simply kept clean and protected from friction. Loose clothing is a sensible choice in the warm, humid air of the lake shore, and it avoids rubbing at the puncture area. Your doctor will tell you what to avoid in the first days.

The timeline matters as much as the technique. Many patients 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. This is why we ask patients to plan across half a year, not across a weekend, and to keep up their exercises and daily habits during that period.

Climate of Entebbe and recovery

Entebbe has a tropical rainforest climate with no real dry season. The hottest month is February, with an average temperature of 22.8 °C, and the coolest is July, at 20.6 °C. The altitude moderates the temperature, so the town does not suffer extreme heat. For recovery this is helpful: you are rarely forced to choose between staying cool and keeping the puncture area covered.

Rain is a fact of life here. The driest month is July, with precipitation averaging 72 millimetres, and the wettest is April, with 264 millimetres. Wet, slippery paths and steps are a real concern for someone with a painful knee or hip, and a fall in the first weeks of recovery is something to avoid. Choose footwear with a good grip, and keep a walking stick or a firm handrail in mind for the wettest months.

Humidity can make stiff joints feel worse in the morning, and many people describe their symptoms as changing with the weather. General advice is to warm up gently before the first walk of the day, to dress in light layers, and to keep the puncture area dry and clean after showers. Ask the doctor about sun protection on the abdomen or thigh while the area heals, and about swimming or lake water, because open water and pools should be discussed with the doctor before you use them again.

Choosing the season for treatment

Because the temperature in Entebbe varies only a little through the year, the choice of season is driven by the rain and by your calendar, not by heat. Many patients prefer a drier stretch around July, when precipitation is lowest, because getting around is easier and the risk of slipping is smaller. Others choose a quieter period at work and accept the rain.

Think about what the first weeks look like. The first changes may appear 2–3 weeks after the procedure, and the result stabilises over about six months. If you know that a family event, a busy period at your workplace or a long school term is coming, plan the procedure so that the first weeks are calm. Tell the coordinator about these dates during the online consultation, and the plan can be arranged around them.

Do not wait for the perfect month. Osteoarthritis is chronic, and delay can mean more years of pain and reduced activity. The right time is when your records are ready, your questions are answered, and you can protect the first weeks of recovery from heavy tasks.

Work, study and daily life during recovery

Entebbe is a town of government offices, services, schools, lakeside businesses and small trades. A desk worker and a person who stands all day or carries goods have very different needs. Tell the doctor exactly what your working day involves: how many hours you sit, whether you climb stairs, whether you lift, and how you get to work. This lets the doctor give practical guidance on when to return to normal duties.

Many patients can return to light desk work quickly because the puncture is small and no stitches are needed, but the individual advice of your doctor always comes first. For physical work, ask for a stepwise return instead of a single date. Students should ask about long periods of sitting on hard seats, which can stiffen a knee or hip, and about breaks to stand and move.

Family life matters too. Many people in Entebbe care for children or older relatives and carry out household tasks that involve bending, kneeling and lifting. Ask relatives to share heavy tasks in the first weeks. A short, honest conversation at home often does more for recovery than any gadget.

Food, weight and the joints

Food culture in a lakeside town is rich in fresh fish, starchy staples, fruit and vegetables, and also in fried snacks and sweet drinks sold on the street. No food is forbidden by this text, but body weight is relevant to osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips, because every step loads the joint. Overweight and obesity are recognised by the World Health Organization as a major health concern, and weight management is a normal part of an osteoarthritis plan.

Practical steps are modest. Use smaller portions of fried food, drink water in place of sweet drinks, and keep fruit and vegetables on the table at family meals. Do not start a crash diet in the weeks around the procedure; ask the doctor what is suitable. Steady change is easier on the body and easier to keep.

Family gatherings, weddings and festive meals are an important part of life in Entebbe. You do not have to avoid them. Plan for them: sit comfortably, stand up and stretch regularly, and keep your joint plan in view. If an event falls in the first days after the procedure, mention it in the consultation.

Sport, walking and the return to movement

People in Entebbe walk along the lake, play football with colleagues and friends, and some swim or paddle. Movement is a pillar of osteoarthritis care, and the guideline from NICE, Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226), is a useful reference point for the idea that exercise and education belong in every plan. The procedure supports the plan; it does not replace it.

Return to sport is gradual. Start with short, flat walks on firm ground, then add distance, then add gentle strengthening for the muscles that support the joint. Contact sport and sudden twisting should wait until the doctor agrees. Ask specifically about football, running, cycling and swimming, and about the lake and pools. Do not use a good day as a reason to overdo it.

Because a stable result forms over about six months, judge progress over weeks and months. Keep a short diary: pain at rest, pain at night, morning stiffness, the distance you can walk, and how you manage stairs. Send the notes to the coordinator on WhatsApp or Telegram. This gives the doctor a clear picture during follow-up consultations.

Who is a candidate and who is not

Candidacy is decided by a doctor after reviewing your history, symptoms and imaging. In general terms, the treatment is considered for people with osteoarthritis who still have a joint that can benefit from support. 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, and an honest consultation will say so.

It is also essential to separate osteoarthritis from arthritis. 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. If your symptoms look like this, the first step is a proper diagnosis and treatment of the cause, not a regenerative procedure.

General contraindications are for the doctor to assess: active infection, active inflammatory flare, serious illness, or inability to follow the post-procedure plan may all change the decision. Be completely open about your medicines and your medical history. In Entebbe, where records may be kept on paper, photograph reports, scans and prescriptions clearly before the consultation.

How the remote consultation works from Entebbe

The first step is free and online. Write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, who are available 24/7. Describe which joint hurts, for how long, what makes it better or worse, and what you have already tried. Attach any scans, reports and a list of medicines. You do not need to be in a particular place or wait for a particular hour.

A doctor reviews the material and discusses the diagnosis, the stage, the realistic goals and the options, including the option of not having the procedure. You can ask about the 30 ml adipose tissue collection, the local anaesthetic, the lack of stitches, the timeline of 2–3 weeks for first changes and about six months for a stable result, and what your own follow-up plan would be.

Keep the questions practical: What stage is my joint? Is my pain from osteoarthritis or from inflammation? What would I do in the first week, and who do I contact if something changes? What will I do if the result is smaller than I hoped? A clear answer to each of these lets you decide calmly.

Is the online consultation really free?

Yes. The first online consultation with City Medical Centre is free, and coordinators answer on WhatsApp and Telegram around the clock, 24/7. You can send your questions and documents from Entebbe at any time.

What happens during the procedure?

Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. The tissue is then used according to the plan agreed with your doctor.

When will I notice a change?

Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months. It can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual.

Is one procedure enough for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. Movement, weight management, daily habits and follow-up are part of that plan, and the doctor will discuss them with you.

Does the rainy weather in Entebbe affect recovery?

Rain mostly matters for safety. April is the wettest month, with precipitation averaging 264 millimetres, and slippery steps are risky for a painful joint. Wear shoes with grip, keep the puncture area clean and dry, and ask your doctor about water and swimming.

How do I know if my problem is arthritis and not osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease. 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 rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. A doctor must confirm the diagnosis first.

Can the treatment help me avoid joint replacement?

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. Your doctor will tell you honestly which group you belong to.

When can I go back to work and sport?

This depends on your job and your joint. A desk job is often easier to resume than heavy physical work. Return to sport should be gradual, starting with flat walking. Ask the doctor for a stepwise plan instead of one fixed date.

Does body weight matter?

Yes. Extra weight loads the knees and hips with every step, and the World Health Organization treats overweight and obesity as a major health concern. Gradual changes to food and activity are a sensible part of the plan.

What should I send before the consultation?

Send a short description of your symptoms, scans or reports if you have them, a list of your medicines and any previous treatment. Clear photographs of paper records are enough.