Osteoarthritis treatment without surgery — protecting the cartilage you still have
SVF cell therapy and PRP for knee, hip and other joints affected by arthrosis. A free review of your X-rays or MRI to check 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, also called arthrosis, is a chronic condition in which the cartilage lining a joint gradually thins and wears away. Cartilage works as a shock absorber; as it breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and a smaller range of movement. It is a degenerative rather than an inflammatory disease, although flare-ups with swelling do happen.
It 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. Treatment works best at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces are badly damaged; at an advanced stage the doctor will tell you honestly if joint replacement 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
Large and small joints — the doctor chooses the joint, the method and the number of injections after reviewing your scans
Elbow
Pain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Stiffness and pain in the small joints of the fingers and wrist
Knee
Cartilage wear, meniscus problems, pain on stairs and after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A small sample of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a mix of cells involved in tissue repair. Combined with your own plasma, it is injected into the affected joint.
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
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 often used for mild osteoarthritis, and together with SVF when a stronger effect is needed.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small amount of blood is taken from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.
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
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps 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 examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small amount of blood is taken from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.
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
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps 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 let the doctor see how the joint responds and adjust the plan — pain usually eases over the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months.
Conditions we treat
Whether the treatment suits you is decided by a doctor after an examination and a review of 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, a cold or flu, 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 the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are covered with small dressings. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Over the first month the pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. 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. Keeping a healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We work on keeping your own joint rather than replacing it — treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Punctures instead of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will give an independent assessment free of charge
Support after the procedure
We stay in touch after the procedure and follow the result, not just the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The cost depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the method, so 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 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, 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.
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 faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect cannot be expected.
Which joints are most often affected?
The joints that carry the most load: the knees, hips and ankles, as well as the small joints of the hand and the spine. Regenerative treatment is used for all of these joints.
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?
An X-ray is the main method and shows the stage. MRI gives a detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound shows inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. If you already have results, the doctor can review them free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage: aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The approach to treatment differs, so the diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan if it is appropriate.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes, and you should. The right activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; avoid running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.
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