Osteoarthritis Treatment in Pristina
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)?
In osteoarthritis, sometimes called arthrosis, the joint's cartilage lining wears away bit by bit over years. That cartilage normally absorbs shock; once it breaks down, bone rubs on bone and the joint becomes painful, stiff and less mobile. It is a disease of wear rather than inflammation, even if episodes of swelling happen.
The knee (gonarthrosis) and the hip (coxarthrosis) are the most common sites, being the most loaded joints, together with the ankle and the small joints in the hand. Early and moderate stages are where treatment works best, before the joint surfaces are seriously harmed; at an advanced stage you will get an honest answer if 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
We treat large and small joints; the doctor picks the joint, method and injection count once your scans are reviewed
Elbow
Wear of joint surfaces, pain after heavy use or sports strain
Hand and wrist joints
Stiffness and pain in the small joints of the fingers and wrist
Knee
Cartilage wear with meniscus trouble and pain on stairs or after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain while raising the arm and wear of the joint and its tendons
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.
Its main use is at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis, to slow the wear of cartilage and lessen friction between the joint surfaces.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is obtained from a small volume of your blood and injected into the joint, where it helps calm inflammation and improves conditions for tissue repair.
Used often in mild osteoarthritis, it is added to SVF when a more pronounced effect is required.
How the procedure goes: step by step
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 PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — around 30 ml — is obtained through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, and no stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
Layers form as the sample is spun in a centrifuge. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and blended with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Directly into the affected joint, under ultrasound guidance — this is how the prepared material is injected 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
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 PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — around 30 ml — is obtained through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, and no stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
Layers form as the sample is spun in a centrifuge. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and blended with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Directly into the affected joint, under ultrasound guidance — this is how the prepared material is injected 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
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
The doctor decides on suitability once you have been examined and your scans have been reviewed
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 fever, a cold or flu, or skin inflammation over the joint to be 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 on the same day and are back to their usual daily activity within a day or two, with small dressings over the puncture sites. The joint may ache a little more during the first week — an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — nobody can promise a fixed result. 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
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
A doctor will assess your X-rays, MRI or reports independently and free of charge — just send them
Support after the procedure
The result is followed after the procedure too; we stay in touch, not only on the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The stage of osteoarthritis, the joint and the method all affect the cost, so it is named 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?
It is gradual wear of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. When the cartilage thins, the joint loses its cushioning, the bones rub against each other, and pain, stiffness and crunching appear. It is a degenerative condition, not an inflammatory one.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes — as long as treatment is not put off. SVF and PRP injections aim to relieve pain and support the cartilage with no operation. Joint replacement is the final option, for a joint that is already 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?
At early and moderate stages. The milder the stage, the quicker and more lasting the effect tends to be, and it may reduce how often hyaluronic acid injections are needed. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has nearly gone, a lasting effect should not be expected.
Which joints are most often affected?
Joints under the greatest load — knees, hips and ankles — as well as the spine and the small joints of the hand. All of these joints are treated with regenerative methods.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
As a rule it progresses, so pain becomes constant, movement more limited, the joint may deform and walking can be hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with your doctor make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
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.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
The difference: osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage (aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest), while arthritis is inflammation (pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness, warmth over the joint). Treatment differs, which is why diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
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.
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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Osteoarthritis in Pristina: stages, methods and price
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 Pristina with any of these joints can have their scans reviewed free of charge.
Follow-up visits let the doctor see how the joint responds. In Pristina, check-ups after one, three and six months help adjust the plan and decide whether a repeat course is needed.
A consultation is the first step for every patient from Pristina. It is free, and after it you know the stage, the method and the cost of treatment.
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