Русский 
English 
Deutsch 
Español 
العربية 
中文 
Türkçe 
Français 
Italiano 
Major condition groups
Unlike local problems (one disc herniation, one meniscus tear), systemic conditions affect several structures simultaneously or share a common pathogenesis. Osteoarthritis is mechanical cartilage wear with joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation. Arthritis is inflammation of immune or metabolic origin. Tendinitis and bursitis are inflammation of tendons and synovial bursae, often accompanying osteoarthritis. Avascular necrosis is bone tissue ischemia. Osteoporosis is systemic loss of bone density. Below — a detailed breakdown of each group with differential diagnostics.
Osteoarthritis (Arthrosis)
Degenerative cartilage disease — the most common joint condition. Stages I–III. Treatment without joint replacement.
Read more about this condition → M05–M14Arthritis (Systemic)
Rheumatoid, psoriatic, reactive, gouty. Differences from osteoarthritis. Role of regenerative treatment in systemic forms.
Read more about this condition → M77Tendinitis & Tendinopathy
Inflammation and degeneration of tendons: elbow, Achilles, knee, shoulder. Without corticosteroid injections.
Read more about this condition → M71Bursitis
Inflammation of synovial bursae in shoulder, knee, elbow, hip. Aspiration + CGF under ultrasound guidance.
Read more about this condition → M87Avascular Necrosis
Ischemia and bone tissue death (most often femoral head). Decompression + BMAC for joint preservation.
Read more about this condition → M80–M81Osteoporosis
Reduction of bone density. DEXA diagnostics, fracture prevention, role of regenerative treatment in fracture healing.
Read more about this condition → L40.5Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis: signs, diagnosis, role of regenerative methods with controlled disease. Does not replace base therapy.
Read more about this condition →Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis — key differences
These are two fundamentally different conditions that are often confused. Correct differentiation determines the entire treatment scheme — from medication choice to prognosis.
Pain pattern
Osteoarthritis: worsens with load, improves with rest. Evening peak.
Arthritis: persists at rest, often worsens at night and in the morning.
Morning stiffness
Osteoarthritis: 5–30 minutes, "warms up" quickly.
Arthritis: over 60 minutes, sometimes till noon.
Localization
Osteoarthritis: large weight-bearing joints — knee, hip, first MTP, first CMC.
Arthritis: small symmetric joints of the hands, wrists, feet.
Blood tests
Osteoarthritis: ESR, CRP normal.
Arthritis: ESR over 20, CRP elevated, RF or anti-CCP positive (in RA).
X-ray
Osteoarthritis: joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis.
Arthritis: periarticular osteoporosis, erosions, ankylosis in late stages.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis: physical therapy, weight loss, regenerative treatment/PRP, prosthesis at stage IV.
Arthritis: disease-modifying therapy (methotrexate, biologics), + regenerative treatment for damaged joints.
Why regenerative treatment for systemic conditions
Autologous method
Uses the patients own cells and growth factors — no risk of allergy, rejection, or immune conflict. Critical in autoimmune forms of arthritis, where the immune system is already overburdened.
Anti-inflammatory effect
CGF contains anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Ra, TGF-β, IL-10) that suppress inflammation directly within the joint — without systemic NSAIDs and corticosteroids, without GI or kidney damage.
Cartilage and bone regeneration
Cells and growth factors mainly reduce inflammation and support tissue repair; how much the tissue recovers cannot be predicted.
Compatible with disease-modifying therapy
Regenerative treatment does not conflict with methotrexate, biologics (adalimumab, etanercept), denosumab, or bisphosphonates. Only NSAIDs are stopped, 7 days before the procedure.
Ultrasound navigation
Precise targeting of the joint cavity, tendon, or bursa with 1 mm accuracy. Critical for deep structures — hip, shoulder, femoral nerve.
Outpatient, no anesthesia
30–60 minute procedure under local anesthesia. Return to normal activity the next day. Sports — after 4–6 weeks. No hospitalization, no rehabilitation center.
Choose the method by your diagnosis
PRP-therapy
Osteoarthritis I–II, tendinitis, mild bursitis. 2–3 procedures with 3–4-week intervals. Learn more →
CGF + MFAT
Osteoarthritis II–III, chronic tendinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis (locally), bursitis. The main protocol.
BMAC
Avascular necrosis, osteoporotic fractures, severe stage III osteoarthritis. Bone marrow concentrate contains hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells. Stem cells →
Who it is not suitable for and possible risks
Contraindications
- Active infection — at the injection site or systemic, with fever.
- Active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy.
- Blood clotting disorders or a low platelet count. Anticoagulants are discussed with the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — the procedure is usually postponed.
- A corticosteroid injection into the same area in recent weeks.
- Severe stage IV osteoarthritis with axial deformity and joint destruction — joint replacement is usually discussed instead.
Possible risks
- Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days.
- Bruising where blood or fat tissue is taken.
- Rarely, infection. The procedure is therefore performed under sterile conditions with ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
- The effect may be absent or smaller than expected.
If any of these apply to you, mention it in your request. The coordinator will check with the clinic physician whether treatment is possible. Contact a coordinator.
Rehabilitation and recovery
Recovery from most joint and spine conditions is based on exercise therapy: strength and mobility exercises, a gradual return to activity and weight control. After an outpatient injection 1–2 days of rest are usually needed; after surgery, a rehabilitation programme lasting weeks or months. The clinic physician draws up the recovery plan.
Scientific evidence
Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:
- Bannuru RR et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2019.
- Lurie JD et al. Surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation: eight-year results for the spine patient outcomes research trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2014.
Next: Treatment methods · Treatment costs · Contact a coordinator
Frequently asked questions
Osteoarthritis is mechanical cartilage breakdown (wear), while arthritis is inflammation of immune or metabolic origin. Osteoarthritis usually affects 1–2 joints (knee, hip), arthritis affects multiple symmetric small joints. Morning stiffness in osteoarthritis lasts under 30 minutes, in arthritis over 60 minutes. Tests: arthritis shows elevated ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP — in osteoarthritis these are normal. Treatment differs fundamentally.
Complete restoration of cartilage to its original state is not yet possible. However, progression can be halted and pain significantly reduced. Regenerative treatment at stages I–II achieves an effect on cartilage tissue; at stage III it reduces pain. Stage IV is an indication for prosthesis.
Corticosteroids provide rapid relief (2–4 weeks), but with repeated use they damage cartilage, weaken tendons, and cause osteoporosis and avascular necrosis. The FDA recommends no more than 3 injections per year per joint. Regenerative treatment uses only autologous growth factors and stem cells — without steroids.
Forms of arthritis where the immune system attacks the joints own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis (RF, anti-CCP antibodies), psoriatic (with skin psoriasis), ankylosing spondylitis (HLA-B27). Treatment is disease-modifying therapy (methotrexate, biologics) under a rheumatologist. Regenerative treatment complements it by regenerating already-damaged joints.
Minimum: ESR, CRP, complete blood count, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), uric acid, HLA-B27, ANA. If needed — joint puncture with synovial fluid analysis. Doppler ultrasound of joints detects active synovitis.
Very. Without treatment, necrosis progresses over 6–18 months to bone collapse (most often the femoral head) and requires joint replacement. Results vary from patient to patient: they depend on the stage and type of damage, and a doctor assesses the outlook after reviewing the MRI. Early MRI is the key success factor.
Confirm with DEXA scan (T-score below -2.5). Assess risk factors (age, sex, prior fractures, corticosteroids, smoking). Treatment: calcium + vitamin D, bisphosphonates or denosumab, strength exercises, fall prevention. For fractures, regenerative treatment accelerates consolidation through BMAC injection into the fracture site.
Yes, this is the optimal combination. Disease-modifying therapy (methotrexate, biologics) suppresses systemic inflammation. Regenerative treatment locally regenerates already-damaged joints. NSAIDs are stopped 7 days before the procedure; disease-modifying therapy continues unchanged. Always coordinated with the treating rheumatologist.
Clinic and method matching — free of charge
Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within 24 hours.
Send a request +49 160 5736643