1Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines your joint, looks through your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure is right for you. If you already have scans, you can send them ahead of the visit.
Osteoarthritis Treatment in Milan
Treatment of arthritic knees, hips and other joints using SVF and PRP. A doctor reviews your MRI or X-rays free to establish the stage
Consultation and review of your scansFree
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What it is
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
- Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
- Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Who the treatment suits
A doctor examines you, reviews your scans and then decides whether the treatment is suitable
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 opinionAn independent assessment from a doctor, free of charge — send your X-rays, MRI or reports
How it works
How the procedure goes: step by step
1
2Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
3Adipose tissue sample
About 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture in the abdomen or inner thigh, with local anaesthetic. The puncture needs no stitches.
4Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation separates the sample into layers, and the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, then combined with platelet-rich plasma.
5Injection into the joint
The prepared material goes straight into the affected joint; ultrasound guidance helps position it precisely.
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
We use your own adipose tissue and blood only, with no donor or synthetic material
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.
Early and moderate osteoarthritis is where it is mostly used — to slow cartilage wear and reduce friction between the surfaces of the joint.
- 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.
It is a common option in mild osteoarthritis and is combined with SVF where a stronger effect is needed.
- 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
Treatment for both large and small joints — your scans guide the doctor's choice of joint, method and number of injections
KneeStairs and walking cause pain; cartilage wear and meniscus problems
HipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
ShoulderLifting the arm hurts; the joint and surrounding tendons are worn
ElbowPain after sports strain or overuse, plus wear of the joint surfaces
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
Instead of replacing your joint, we work to keep it — treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
We use your own adipose tissue and blood only, with no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Local anaesthetic, punctures rather than incisions, and no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
An independent assessment from a doctor, free of charge — send your X-rays, MRI or reports
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
Pricing depends on which joint, which method and the stage of osteoarthritis; the doctor gives the cost 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.
It means gradual wear of the cartilage on the ends of the bones in a joint. With thinning cartilage the joint loses cushioning, bones rub against each other and pain, stiffness and crunching set in — a degenerative, not an inflammatory, condition.
In many cases, yes — if treatment is not delayed. SVF and PRP injections aim to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation. Joint replacement is the last option, for when the joint is already destroyed.
Around 2–3 weeks after the procedure, many patients feel the first changes. A stable result builds over about six months and lasts from several months to several years, which varies individually. Since osteoarthritis is chronic, a single injection is not enough — it needs an ongoing plan.
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.
The most heavily loaded joints: the knees, hips and ankles, plus the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for all of them.
The condition usually progresses. Pain becomes constant, movement becomes restricted, deformity of the joint may develop and walking can become difficult. Early diagnosis, exercise, weight control and working with a doctor do make a real difference.
An X-ray is the key test and shows the stage. A detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues comes from MRI, ultrasound shows fluid and inflammation in the joint, and blood tests help rule out inflammatory diseases. Results you already have can be reviewed by the doctor free of charge.
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.
You can. Once you send your X-rays, MRI or test results, a doctor reviews them free of charge, assesses the osteoarthritis stage and suggests a non-surgical plan if it fits.
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.
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.