Osteoarthritis Treatment in Lyon
SVF cells and platelet-rich plasma for joints worn by arthrosis — knee, hip and others. Stage checked through a free review of your X-rays or MRI
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.
Knees (gonarthrosis) and hips (coxarthrosis) are affected most, since they carry the greatest load, followed by the ankle and the small joints of the hand. The treatment works best early or at a moderate stage, before the joint surfaces are badly worn; in advanced cases the doctor will tell you frankly if a joint replacement is more realistic.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Treatment for both large and small joints — your scans guide the doctor's choice of joint, method and number of injections
Elbow
Wear of the joint surfaces and pain after overuse or sports strain
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
Knee
Worn cartilage, meniscus problems, pain after walking and on stairs
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Wear of the joint and the tendons around it, painful arm raising
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
SVF — the stromal vascular fraction — is a mixture of repair-related cells isolated from a small sample of your own adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint together with your plasma.
It is used mainly at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis to slow cartilage wear and reduce friction between the joint surfaces.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
Your own blood, in a small amount, is processed to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which goes into the joint to calm inflammation and improve 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
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.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
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
The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping place it precisely.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
Consultation 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.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
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
The doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint, with ultrasound guidance helping place it precisely.
Follow-up
No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.
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: a raised temperature, a cold or flu, inflamed skin above the target joint
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
Same-day discharge is typical, and most people are back to normal daily activity in a day or two; small dressings cover the puncture sites. The joint may ache a little more in week one — an expected reaction. Pain usually eases across the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. The duration varies from person to person and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors, so a fixed result cannot be promised. Keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly with the joint in mind helps it last.
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
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Done through punctures under local anaesthetic, without incisions or long rehabilitation
Second opinion
A doctor will assess your X-rays, MRI or reports independently and free of charge — just send them
Support after the procedure
After the procedure we stay in contact and track the result — not just on injection day
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The doctor quotes the cost after the consultation, as it depends on the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis
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?
Many patients can, if treatment is not delayed. The aim of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, and joint replacement is the last option — for a joint already destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
Early changes are noticed by many patients 2–3 weeks after the procedure. The result stabilises over about six months and can last several months to several years, depending on the individual. Osteoarthritis being chronic, it requires an ongoing plan, not a one-off injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
The early and moderate stages. As a rule, the milder the stage, the faster and longer the effect, and regular hyaluronic acid injections may be needed less. A lasting effect cannot be expected at the most advanced stage, when the joint space has almost vanished.
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 usually progresses: pain becomes constant, movement becomes more limited, the joint may become deformed and walking can become difficult. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
The main method is an X-ray, which shows the stage. MRI gives a detailed picture of cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound reveals inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help exclude inflammatory conditions. If you already have results, the doctor can review them free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
Cartilage wear is osteoarthritis, marked by aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest; inflammation is arthritis, marked by pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Since treatment differs, a 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, it is worth doing. The right exercise strengthens the muscles unloading the joint, improves nutrition of the cartilage and maintains mobility. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga suit well; running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements should be avoided.
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About osteoarthritis treatment for patients from Lyon
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 Lyon.
Many patients in Lyon 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.
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 Lyon, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.
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