Osteoarthritis Treatment in Zaragoza: 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 is a chronic condition, also referred to as arthrosis, in which the joint's cartilage thins and erodes step by step. As the cushioning layer fails, bones start rubbing together — the source of pain, stiffness and a reduced range of movement. It is a wear-related, degenerative disease; swollen flare-ups can still appear.
It tends to strike the joints under most load: knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis), ankle and the small joints of the hand. The best outcomes come at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces suffer major damage; at an advanced stage the doctor will be straightforward about joint replacement if it 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
Any joint, large or small — once your scans are reviewed, the doctor settles on the joint, the method and the injection count
Elbow
Pain that follows sports strain or overuse, and joint surface wear
Hand and wrist joints
Small finger and wrist joints that are stiff and painful
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
Pain while raising the arm and wear of the joint and its tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
From a small sample of your adipose tissue, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is isolated — a set of cells involved in repairing tissue. Mixed with your own plasma, it is then injected into the joint that is affected.
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
Platelet- and growth-factor-rich plasma is separated from a small amount of your blood and then injected into the joint, helping to calm inflammation and create better conditions for tissue repair.
It is often applied in mild osteoarthritis, and alongside SVF when a stronger effect is called for.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
Your joint is examined and your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed; then the doctor decides if the procedure suits you. You may send any scans you have before you come.
Blood sample for PRP
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, and platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later made from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Local anaesthetic is used while a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. The site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample goes into a centrifuge and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken out and mixed 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
There are no crutches and no hospital stay. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
Your joint is examined and your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed; then the doctor decides if the procedure suits you. You may send any scans you have before you come.
Blood sample for PRP
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, and platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later made from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Local anaesthetic is used while a small portion of adipose tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. The site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample goes into a centrifuge and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken out and mixed 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
There are no crutches and no hospital stay. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
At the follow-up visits the doctor reviews the joint's response and adjusts the plan. Expect pain to ease over the first month, mobility to improve over about three months and the full effect to develop over around six months.
Conditions we treat
It is up to the doctor, after examining you and reviewing your scans, to decide whether the treatment fits
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 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
Keeping your own joint instead of replacing it: that is the goal of treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Your own blood and adipose tissue are the only materials used — nothing donor or synthetic
No crutches
Local anaesthetic and small punctures in place of incisions — no long recovery programme or rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send X-rays, MRI or reports and receive a doctor's independent assessment for free
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
Because the cost varies with the joint, the osteoarthritis stage and the method, 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?
It is the gradual wearing of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a joint. As the cartilage thins, the joint loses its cushioning; the bones rub together, and pain, stiffness and crunching develop. The condition is degenerative rather than inflammatory.
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?
The first changes are often felt 2–3 weeks after the procedure, and a stable result forms over about six months, lasting several months to several years depending on the person. Osteoarthritis is chronic, which is why it needs an ongoing plan instead of one injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
Early and moderate stages respond best. Generally, the milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect, which may cut the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. When the joint space has almost disappeared at the most advanced stage, a lasting effect cannot be expected.
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?
It tends to progress: pain becomes constant, movement more restricted, the joint may deform and walking may become hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor really make a difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
The main tool is an X-ray, showing the stage. For detail on cartilage and soft tissues there is MRI; ultrasound reveals inflammation and fluid in the joint; blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. The doctor can look at results you already have free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
In osteoarthritis the cartilage wears, causing aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest; in arthritis the joint is inflamed, with pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth. The treatment approach differs, so diagnosis is the first step.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Of course. A doctor reviews your X-rays, MRI or test results free of charge, assesses the stage of osteoarthritis and suggests a non-surgical plan when it is appropriate — just send them.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Definitely yes. The right kind of activity strengthens muscles that unload the joint, supports cartilage nutrition and preserves mobility. Pick swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga; steer clear of running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.
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Choosing osteoarthritis treatment in Zaragoza
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 Zaragoza.
Treatment starts with a consultation and a review of your X-rays or MRI to assess the stage. Then blood and a small adipose tissue sample are taken, processed in a centrifuge and injected into the joint under ultrasound guidance. For patients from Zaragoza, it is done in one day.
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 Zaragoza, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.
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