Osteoarthritis Treatment in Gold Coast: Steps and Results
PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hip and other arthritic joints, plus a free X-ray or MRI review to see which stage you are at
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.
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
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large and small joints — the doctor chooses the joint, the method and the number of injections after reviewing your scans
Elbow
Wear of the joint surfaces and pain after overuse or sports strain
Hand and wrist joints
Small joints of the fingers and wrist: pain and stiffness
Knee
Cartilage wear, meniscus problems, pain on stairs and after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain on raising the arm; wear of the joint and the tendons around it
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
Your adipose tissue, in a small sample, is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF): a combination of cells that take part in tissue repair. With your own plasma added, it is injected into the joint in question.
At early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis it is used mainly to reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow cartilage wear.
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.
It is frequently used for mild osteoarthritis, and combined with SVF when a stronger effect is required.
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
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
Roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the inner thigh or abdomen under local anaesthetic. No stitches are needed.
Processing 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.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches — and after the procedure the doctor stays in contact and follows how the joint is responding.
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
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
Roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the inner thigh or abdomen under local anaesthetic. No stitches are needed.
Processing 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.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches — and after the procedure the doctor stays in contact and follows how the joint is responding.
Follow-up visits
At follow-up visits the doctor checks how the joint is responding and adjusts the plan. Pain usually eases during the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months.
Conditions we treat
After an examination and a review of your scans, a doctor decides whether the treatment suits you
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: skin inflammation over the treated joint, a cold or flu, fever
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 that works to keep your own joint rather than swap it for an implant
Your own tissue
Your own blood and adipose tissue are the only materials used — nothing donor or synthetic
No crutches
Done through punctures under local anaesthetic, without incisions or 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
We keep in contact after the procedure and monitor the result, rather than stopping on the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The cost depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method, so the doctor names it 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?
The cartilage over the bone ends of a joint gradually wears out. As it becomes thinner, cushioning is lost and the bones rub against each other, bringing pain, stiffness and crunching. This is a degenerative disease, not an inflammatory one.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
In many cases it can be, provided treatment starts in time. The goal of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support cartilage without an operation; replacing the joint is the last resort once it is destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
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. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
It is used at early and moderate stages; the milder the stage, the faster and more lasting the effect usually is, possibly reducing the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage — joint space almost gone — a lasting effect is not realistic.
Which joints are most often affected?
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.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
It tends to progress: pain becomes constant, movement more restricted, the joint may deform and walking may become hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor really make a difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
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.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is cartilage wear, with aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation, with pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Treatment differs, so diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
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.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes, you should exercise. Correct activity strengthens the muscles that relieve the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, cycling, water aerobics, yoga and Nordic walking are good; jumping, heavy lifting, sudden movements and running on hard surfaces are not.
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Osteoarthritis treatment in Gold Coast: what you should know
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 Gold Coast with any of these joints can have their scans reviewed free of charge.
Osteoarthritis treatment in Gold Coast is not done with cancer, acute infections, blood clotting disorders, during pregnancy or during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks this at the consultation.
The price depends on how many joints are treated and on the method. For patients from Gold Coast, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at a free consultation before any procedure.
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