Osteoarthritis Treatment in Kampala: Steps and Results
Arthrosis of the knee, hip or another joint treated with SVF cells and PRP. Your X-rays or MRI are reviewed free of charge to confirm the stage
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 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.
It 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. Treatment works best at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces are badly damaged; at an advanced stage the doctor will tell you honestly if joint replacement is the more realistic option.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large joints and small joints — having reviewed your scans, the doctor chooses which joint, which method and how many injections
Elbow
Overuse or sports strain causing pain; worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
Knee
Worn cartilage and meniscus problems; pain after walking and on the stairs
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain as the arm goes up, wear in the joint and surrounding tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
The method uses the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that support tissue repair, isolated by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint along with your own plasma.
Doctors use it chiefly in early and moderate osteoarthritis, aiming to slow cartilage wear and cut friction between the joint surfaces.
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.
In mild osteoarthritis it is used often; to get a stronger effect it is combined with SVF.
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
Blood in a small amount is drawn from a vein, and later platelet-rich plasma rich in growth factors is prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, the doctor collects a small portion of adipose tissue (roughly 30 ml) via a puncture on the abdomen or the inner thigh. Stitches are not needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is spun in a centrifuge and separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The material is injected directly into the affected joint, guided by ultrasound for 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
Blood in a small amount is drawn from a vein, and later platelet-rich plasma rich in growth factors is prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, the doctor collects a small portion of adipose tissue (roughly 30 ml) via a puncture on the abdomen or the inner thigh. Stitches are not needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is spun in a centrifuge and separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The material is injected directly into the affected joint, guided by ultrasound for 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
Follow-up visits show the doctor how your joint responds so the plan can be adjusted; usually pain eases within the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect takes around six months to develop.
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: flu or a cold, fever, or skin inflammation over the joint being treated
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
Most people go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are covered with small dressings. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Over the first month the pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. 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. Keeping a healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We work to keep the joint you have instead of replacing it, using treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
The treatment relies solely on your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
No incisions, only punctures — local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send X-rays, MRI or reports and receive a doctor's independent assessment for free
Support after the procedure
After the procedure, we keep in touch and watch the result — our work does not end on the injection day
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?
Yes, in many cases — if you do not delay treatment. SVF and PRP injections are meant to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, while joint replacement is kept as the last option for a destroyed joint.
How soon will I notice a result?
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 which stage does the treatment work best?
At the early and moderate stages. Usually the effect comes faster and lasts longer the milder the stage is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. A lasting effect cannot be expected at the most advanced stage, when the joint space has nearly disappeared.
Which joints are most often affected?
Mostly the heavily loaded knees, hips and ankles, along with the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for all these joints.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
It usually moves forward: the pain stops going away, movement is more and more limited, the joint may deform and walking may get difficult. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and a doctor's involvement make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
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.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
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.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes, you can. Send the X-rays, MRI or test results; a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the osteoarthritis stage and recommend a non-surgical plan if suitable.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes, and it helps. Well-chosen activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves the cartilage's nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga work well, while running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements are best avoided.
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Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis treatment in Kampala: what you should know
The stage matters most. At early and moderate stages, SVF and PRP injections aim to ease pain, reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow cartilage wear. At the most advanced stage, the doctor will tell patients in Kampala honestly if joint replacement is the more realistic option.
Many patients in Kampala 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.
Do not wait until the joint is destroyed. Book a free consultation in Kampala: early and moderate osteoarthritis responds best to treatment. The price is set individually.
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