City Medical Centre · multi-specialty surgery clinicOpen 24/7
EN
Message us on Telegram

Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment in Goma

We treat arthrosis in the knee, hip and other joints with SVF cell therapy and PRP, and review your X-rays or MRI for free to judge the stage

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

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

What it is

What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?

Osteoarthritis (arthrosis) is a long-term condition where the cartilage covering a joint slowly thins and wears down. Because cartilage cushions the joint, its loss lets the bones grind against one another, bringing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. The disease is degenerative, not inflammatory, though swollen flare-ups can 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

Only a doctor, after an examination and a review of scans, decides whether this treatment suits you

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: fever, a cold or flu, skin inflammation over the joint 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 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

First comes an examination of the joint and a look at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, after which the doctor decides whether the procedure suits you. Already have scans? Send them before the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount. Later, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared from it.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

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.

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 doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping 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

The treatment relies solely on your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that play a part in tissue repair, is obtained by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. Together with your own plasma, it goes into the affected joint by injection.

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

It is mainly indicated for early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis, where it slows cartilage wear and eases 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

Taken from a small amount of your blood, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is injected into the joint. There it helps calm inflammation and sets up 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

  • KneeKneeCartilage wear with meniscus trouble and pain on stairs or after walking
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderRaising the arm is painful; wear of the joint and nearby tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain that follows sports strain or overuse, and joint surface wear
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiffness and aching in the fingers' and wrist's small joints
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We aim to preserve your own joint rather than replace it, with treatment that avoids surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

The treatment relies solely on your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

No incisions, only punctures — local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Send us your MRI, X-rays or reports for an independent assessment by a doctor at no cost

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We stay in contact once the procedure is done and follow the result beyond 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

After the consultation the doctor names the cost, which depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Osteoarthritis treatment in Goma: what you should know

For patients from Goma, 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.

PRP is often used for mild osteoarthritis, and SVF with PRP when a stronger effect is needed. The method and the number of injections are chosen for each patient in Goma after the examination.

How much does arthrosis treatment cost in Goma? The doctor names the price after assessing the stage from your X-ray or MRI and choosing PRP, SVF or a combination. Send a request or message us in any messenger.

Osteoarthritis treatment for residents of Goma: how to read the situation

Goma is the capital and largest city of North Kivu, on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, and in 2024 the city had a population of 782,000 people. It is a busy place, full of walking, carrying, trading and climbing. Joints take a lot of load here, so people from Goma often start asking about joint pain at an age when they are still fully active at work and in the family.

This text is for those who live in the city and want to understand what modern osteoarthritis treatment looks like before booking anything. Osteoarthritis is chronic. It needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. A good plan combines a clear diagnosis, daily habits, load management, exercise guided by a specialist, and, for suitable patients, a regenerative option such as SVF therapy.

The first conversation with City Medical Centre takes place online and is free. Coordinators answer around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so a person in Goma can write after the market day, after a shift or late in the evening, when the knee or hip hurts most and there is finally time to describe it calmly.

Life in a volcanic city and what it asks of your joints

Goma stands on the Goma plain, a surface of volcanic lava that slopes gently toward the lake. The terrain is basalt, with hills such as Mount Goma and Mount Ndosho breaking up the landscape. For anyone with painful knees, hips or ankles, uneven volcanic ground and slopes are a daily factor: stairs, steep lanes and rough surfaces make every step more demanding than flat pavement would.

During preparation, it helps to note honestly which routes in your day cause the most pain: the walk to the market, the climb to a house on a hillside, standing at a workplace. This diary is valuable for the consultation, because it shows the specialist how the joint behaves in real life, not only on an image.

After any joint procedure, the same terrain matters again. Patients in Goma should plan the first weeks so that long walks on rough ground, heavy carrying and steep climbs are reduced and then returned gradually, following the instructions of the treating team rather than the feeling of a good day.

Climate, season and recovery

Goma has a tropical savanna climate. Thanks to its high altitude, it is much milder than most places at its latitude, with warm days and pleasant nights all year. For recovery this is convenient: there is no extreme heat that makes a patient sit in compression clothing for hours, and no cold that stiffens joints overnight in the way a severe winter does.

Still, warm days mean sun and sweat. If the puncture area on the abdomen or inner thigh is covered with a dressing, keep it clean and dry, wear loose breathable clothing and avoid long exposure to direct sun on the treated body area. Dust from dry spells can irritate small wounds, so protect them when you are outdoors.

There is no single perfect month for the procedure in Goma. A better question is which weeks in your calendar allow rest: avoid the busiest agricultural or business periods, school exams and large family events. Ask the coordinators to help you choose a quiet window, then agree on a plan for checking how the joint feels in the weeks that follow.

What the procedure involves, in plain terms

SVF therapy starts with a small harvest. 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. For a person in Goma who worries about being away from work or the household, this is an important practical point: the harvest area is small and the wound care is simple.

The tissue is then processed and used in the plan agreed with the surgeon. The purpose is to support the joint environment, not to replace a diagnosis or a rehabilitation programme. This is why the specialist first needs your history, your images and your own description of daily pain.

Ask the team to explain in your own language of consultation what exactly is taken, which joint is targeted, what you must avoid on the first days and which signs mean you should write to the coordinators immediately. Write the answers down so that a family member can help you follow them at home.

Timing of the result: what to expect and when

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. It is better to hear this at the start than to expect relief the next morning.

For a person in Goma, this timeline means planning in stages. In the first weeks, the aim is to protect the joint and the harvest area. Over the following months, the aim is to build strength and mobility in a measured way. At around six months you can judge the result more fairly, compared with your diary from before the procedure.

Because osteoarthritis is chronic, a good result is not the end of the plan. Weight control, regular gentle movement and periodic review remain part of the picture. The WHO materials on overweight and obesity remind us that excess body weight is a recognised health concern, and for knees and hips it is one of the factors worth discussing openly with the doctor.

Who is a candidate and who is not

Not every painful joint is osteoarthritis. 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 to clarify the cause, because the treatment differs.

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. This is a key point for patients who have waited years: the earlier the stage, the more options remain open.

General reasons for caution include active infection, a fever of unclear origin, an untreated inflammatory process, and conditions that make even a small harvest unwise. The final decision belongs to the surgeon after reviewing your images and history. Diagnosis and management should follow recognised guidance such as NICE: Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226).

Work, markets, study and sport after the procedure

Goma's economy relies mainly on agriculture, and many people earn their living by buying and selling farm products. Fish markets along Lake Kivu operate twice a week. This kind of work means lifting crates, standing for hours and moving between stalls. If this is your job, tell the surgeon exactly what a normal working day looks like, and ask how long you should avoid heavy lifting and long standing.

Students at the University of Goma or the Free University of the Great Lakes Countries usually face a different problem: long hours sitting on benches, then walking between lectures. Office workers and teachers can often return to light duties earlier than people with physical jobs, but the timing must be confirmed by the treating team, not guessed.

For sport, from football on a Sunday to walking in the hills near Virunga, return should be gradual. Ask the specialist about pool use and sport, and follow the exact advice you receive for your case. A joint that is loaded too early can set back the whole plan, while a joint that is never loaded becomes weaker.

Food, family events and daily habits

Food culture in Goma is built around garden crops and staples such as legumes, maize and tubers, with fish from Lake Kivu. These are practical foods for a balanced diet. For joint health, the useful questions are about portion size, regular meals and how to keep a stable weight, rather than about a strict list of forbidden dishes.

Family gatherings, festivals such as the Amani Festival and cultural events at the Foyer Culturel de Goma are an important part of life. Plan the procedure so that it does not fall right before a major event. Dancing, standing for long periods and carrying children are exactly the activities that a recovering joint does not need in the first weeks.

At home, simple changes help: a chair with a firm seat, a clear path without loose objects, regular short walks instead of one long one, and a family member who can help with heavy shopping for the first period. These small steps support the procedure and cost nothing.

How the remote consultation works from Goma

You write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram at any hour, 24/7. You describe the joint, how long it has hurt, what makes it worse, which treatments you have already tried and which conditions or medicines you have. If you have X-rays, MRI or laboratory results, you send photographs or files of them.

The specialists review the material and arrange an online consultation, which is free. During it you can ask about stage, suitability, the plan for the harvest, the expected timeline and the aftercare. The conversation does not oblige you to do anything, and you may ask for time to think and to speak with your family.

Prepare your questions beforehand: What is my stage? Is SVF suitable or is surgery more realistic? What are the limitations in the first weeks? What will be checked after six months? Which warning signs should make me contact the team at once? Having these answers in writing makes later decisions much calmer.

Does osteoarthritis treatment mean one injection and the problem is solved?

No. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. SVF therapy can be part of that plan for suitable patients, together with weight control, guided exercise and regular review.

How is the tissue taken?

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.

When will I feel a change?

Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months, so it is fair to judge the outcome after that period.

How long does the result last?

It can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. Your habits, weight, load on the joint and the stage of the disease all play a role.

How do I know if my pain is arthritis rather than ordinary wear?

Typical signs of arthritis 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. Describe these signs to the coordinators so the specialist can decide what is needed first.

Is SVF suitable for any stage?

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. The surgeon decides after reviewing your images.

Does the warm climate of Goma affect recovery?

The altitude makes the climate mild, with warm days and pleasant nights. Protect the puncture area from dust and long exposure to sun, wear loose breathable clothing and keep dressings clean and dry as instructed.

Can I go back to work at the market or on the land?

It depends on how heavy your work is. Office or teaching duties can usually return sooner than lifting and long standing. Tell the surgeon exactly what your day involves and follow the advice you are given.

How do I start the consultation from Goma?

Write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram at any time, 24/7. Send a short description and any available images or test results, and an online consultation will be arranged free of charge.

What should I ask the surgeon?

Ask about your stage, whether SVF is suitable, what limits apply in the first weeks, when sport and pool use are possible, what will be reviewed at around six months and which signs require an immediate message to the team.