1Consultation and scan review
The doctor checks the joint, studies your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides if this procedure fits your case. If scans are already done, send them before the visit.
SVF and PRP for Osteoarthritis in Essen
Cell therapy (SVF) plus PRP for arthrosis of the knee, hip and beyond. Send your X-rays or MRI — the stage review costs nothing
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 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
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount. Later, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared from it.
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
A centrifuge separates the sample into layers. From them the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and added to the platelet-rich plasma.
5Injection into the joint
Directly into the affected joint, under ultrasound guidance — this is how the prepared material is injected for precise placement.
6Follow-up
No crutches, no stay in hospital. The doctor keeps in contact after the procedure and watches how your 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
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.
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
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.
Mild osteoarthritis is a common indication; when a stronger effect is needed, it is used together with SVF.
- 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
We treat large and small joints; the doctor picks the joint, method and injection count once your scans are reviewed
KneePain on stairs and after walks, cartilage wear, meniscus issues
HipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
ShoulderJoint and tendon wear around it, pain on lifting the arm
ElbowWear of joint surfaces, pain after heavy use or sports strain
Hand and wrist jointsPainful, stiff small joints of the wrist and fingers
AnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Advantages
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 material from your body — blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic products
No crutches
Only punctures, no incisions — under local anaesthetic and without a 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
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
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
Since the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis determine the cost, it is named by the doctor after the consultation
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.
Osteoarthritis is slow wear of the cartilage over the ends of the bones inside a joint. Thinner cartilage means less cushioning, so the bones rub and you get pain, stiffness and crunching. It is degenerative, not inflammatory.
Often it can, as long as treatment is not postponed. SVF and PRP injections set out to reduce pain and support the cartilage, avoiding an operation; replacement of the joint is the last option when it is already destroyed.
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.
When osteoarthritis is at an early or moderate stage. A milder stage generally brings a faster, longer-lasting effect and may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections; at the most advanced stage, with almost no joint space left, a lasting effect cannot be expected.
Those that carry the most load: knees, hips, ankles, and also the small hand joints and the spine. Regenerative treatment is applied to every one of them.
Generally it progresses — constant pain, increasingly limited movement, a possibly deformed joint and trouble walking. What makes a real difference is early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor.
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.
Osteoarthritis is about cartilage wear: pain that aches on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis is about inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Because treatment is different, the diagnosis comes first.
Yes. Your X-rays, MRI or test results are reviewed by a doctor free of charge, the stage of osteoarthritis is assessed, and a non-surgical plan is suggested if appropriate.
Yes, and you should. The right activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; avoid running on hard surfaces, 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.