Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in San Diego
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)?
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 joints under the heaviest load are affected most often: the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis), the ankle and the small joints of the hand. Treatment gives the best results at early and moderate stages, while the joint surfaces are still in fair condition; if the stage is advanced, the doctor will say plainly when joint replacement is the more realistic choice.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large and small joints alike. The joint, the technique and the number of injections are chosen by the doctor based on your scans
Elbow
Worn joint surfaces and pain following overuse or sports strain
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
Knee
Pain on stairs and after walks, cartilage wear, meniscus issues
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 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.
The typical indication is early or moderate osteoarthritis: the aim is slower cartilage wear and less friction between the surfaces of the joint.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
The joint receives an injection of plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, prepared from a small amount of your blood. It helps reduce inflammation and creates a better setting 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
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
We take a small amount of blood from a vein, which is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
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
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint so it is placed precisely.
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
We take a small amount of blood from a vein, which is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
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
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor injects the prepared material directly into the affected joint so it is placed precisely.
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
Suitability for treatment is decided by a doctor, following an examination and a look at your scans
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: fever, cold or flu, and inflamed skin over the joint that will 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 leave on the day of the procedure and get back to daily routines within a day or two, with small dressings covering the puncture sites. A little extra aching in the first week is an expected reaction. The pain usually eases over the first month; mobility and activity improve over about three months; the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts is individual, shaped by the stage, 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
Keeping your own joint instead of replacing it: that is the goal of treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Local anaesthetic, punctures rather than incisions, and no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Your X-rays, MRI or reports are assessed independently by a doctor at no charge once you send them
Support after the procedure
We stay in contact once the procedure is done and follow the result beyond the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
After the consultation the doctor names the cost, which depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method
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?
In many cases it can be, provided treatment starts in time. The goal of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support cartilage without an operation; replacing the joint is the last resort once it is destroyed.
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?
Load-bearing joints are most at risk: knees, hips, ankles — and also the spine and small hand joints. Regenerative treatment is used across all of these joints.
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?
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?
With osteoarthritis the cartilage wears down: you get aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. With arthritis there is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The treatment approach is different, so 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?
You can and should. Appropriate activity strengthens the supporting muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps mobility. Good options: swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking, yoga. Avoid: running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting, sudden movements.
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Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis treatment in San Diego step by step
An X-ray shows the stage of osteoarthritis, MRI gives a detailed view of cartilage and soft tissues, and ultrasound shows inflammation and fluid. Patients from San Diego who already have results can send them before the visit.
Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. In San Diego, the doctor combines SVF or PRP with advice on weight, exercise and load for the joint.
How much does arthrosis treatment cost in San Diego? 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.
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