Knee or hip osteoarthritis? Alternatives to surgery

An osteoarthritis diagnosis doesn't automatically mean you need surgery. Modern regenerative treatments can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement — and in many cases postpone or completely avoid the need for joint replacement surgery.

Why not go straight to surgery?

Joint replacement is a major procedure with long rehabilitation, risk of complications, and a limited prosthesis lifespan. Most orthopedic surgeons recommend exhausting conservative treatment options before considering surgery.

• The prosthesis lasts an average of 15–20 years — younger patients may need revision surgery
• 6–12 months rehabilitation after surgery
• Risk of infection, blood clots and stiffness
• Not everyone experiences complete pain relief after surgery

Regenerative alternatives

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Concentrated growth factors from your own blood are injected into the joint under ultrasound guidance. Unlike cortisone, which can degrade tissue with repeated injections, PRP stimulates actual healing. Research shows a median delay to surgery of 5.3 years (PMID 32621139). Another study demonstrated significant pain reduction at three months that persisted at twelve months (PMID 38234679).

Orthobiologic treatment

Autologous adipose-tissue–based orthobiologic treatment combined with PRP — a small amount of your own adipose tissue is taken from the abdominal area, processed mechanically during the same visit and combined with your own PRP. The material is injected under ultrasound guidance into the treated joint. No donor cells, cultured cells, enzymatically prepared cell products, exosomes or peptides are used. Particularly relevant for early to moderate osteoarthritis (grade 1–3).

Structured rehabilitation

Strength training, mobility exercises and progressive loading — the cornerstone of all osteoarthritis treatment. We always combine regenerative injections with individually tailored rehabilitation.

Who can avoid surgery?

Patients with early to moderate osteoarthritis (grade 1–3) have the best prospects of responding to regenerative treatment. A thorough ultrasound examination and clinical assessment determines which treatment path is optimal.