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.

528 mlnpeople with osteoarthritis worldwide (WHO 2023)
18 mlnwith rheumatoid arthritis
200 mlnwith osteoporosis (IOF)

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

Mesenchymal stem cells (MFAT, SVF, BMAC) differentiate into chondrocytes and osteoblasts, restoring damaged cartilage and stimulating bone regeneration in necrosis and osteoporosis.

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 →

Frequently asked questions

What is the fundamental difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?

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.

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

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.

Why are corticosteroid injections not used for osteoarthritis and bursitis?

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.

What is autoimmune arthritis?

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.

What tests are needed when arthritis is suspected?

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.

Is avascular necrosis dangerous?

Very. Without treatment, necrosis progresses over 6–18 months to bone collapse (most often the femoral head) and requires joint replacement. At early stages (ARCO I–II), decompression + injection of bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) restores blood supply and preserves the joint in 70–80% of cases. Early MRI is the key success factor.

What to do with an osteoporosis diagnosis?

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.

Can regenerative treatment be combined with disease-modifying arthritis therapy?

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.

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