What is knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)?

Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the cartilage tissue of the knee joint is destroyed, leading to pain, limited mobility, and deformity. Read more about the stages of the disease in our article on the 4 stages of gonarthrosis.

This is the most common osteoarthritis disease. According to WHO data, about 10% of men and 13% of women over 60 suffer from gonarthrosis. In Germany, more than 190,000 knee joint replacement surgeries are performed annually — this is one of the most common orthopedic procedures.

Stages of gonarthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence):

  • Grade I — doubtful radiographic signs, minimal osteophytes
  • Grade II — moderate joint space narrowing, definite osteophytes
  • Grade III — significant joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, multiple osteophytes
  • Grade IV — marked joint space narrowing, large osteophytes, deformation of bone contours

Types of involvement:

  • Medial — involvement of the medial compartment (most common)
  • Lateral — involvement of the lateral compartment
  • Patellofemoral — involvement of the patella
  • Total — involvement of all compartments

Facts about knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

  • ICD-10: M17
  • Prevalence: 10-13% of population over 60 years
  • Gender: women affected 1.5-2 times more often
  • Joint replacement: 190,000+ surgeries/year in Germany
  • Obesity: increases risk 4-5 times

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

Early signs

  • Pain when climbing stairs
  • Morning stiffness (up to 30 minutes)
  • Crunching (crepitus) in the knee
  • Discomfort after prolonged sitting
  • Intermittent joint swelling

Progression

  • Constant pain while walking
  • Limited flexion/extension
  • Joint instability
  • Varus or valgus deformity
  • Synovitis (joint effusion)

Late Stages

  • Pain at rest and at night
  • Marked leg deformity (O- or X-shaped)
  • Inability to fully extend
  • Quadriceps muscle atrophy
  • Need for cane or crutches

Knee Prosthesis vs regenerative treatment

Criterion Total Joint Replacement Arthroscopy Regenerative treatment
Principle Joint replacement with metal Irrigation, fragment removal Cartilage regeneration with own cells
Anesthesia General / spinal General / spinal No general anesthesia (local anesthesia)
Hospitalization 7-14 days 1-2 days None — home same day
Rehabilitation 3-6 months 2-6 weeks Several days
Cartilage Regeneration ❌ Joint removed ❌ Does not restore cartilage ✅ Restoration of cartilage covering
Both Knees at Once ❌ One only Possible, but risky ✅ Yes — both knees + other joints
Active Sports After Limited Possible ✅ Full activity

How regenerative treatment treats knee osteoarthritis

01

3D Planning

Knee joint MRI is loaded into Navigation system. Zones of maximum cartilage damage, menisci condition, ligaments, subchondral bone are identified. A plan for minimally invasive access is developed.

02

Biomaterial Preparation

CGF with high concentration of growth factors and cytokines is obtained from blood. MFAT with mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into chondrocytes is obtained from adipose tissue.

03

Precise Injection

Under Ultrasound guidance guidance, concentrates are injected directly into damage zones — medial/lateral compartment, patellofemoral region, menisci area, subchondral cysts.

04

Regeneration

Stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes, synthesis of new cartilage matrix begins. Growth factors reduce inflammation, improve blood supply. After 3-6 months — cartilage restoration visible on follow-up MRI.

Why regenerative treatment is effective for knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis was considered irreversible: cartilage is destroyed and cannot be restored. Traditional medicine offers painkillers, "lubricants" (hyaluronic acid), and ultimately — joint replacement. Regenerative treatment changes this paradigm — true cartilage regeneration of the knee joint is possible for the first time.

Mechanism of Action in Knee Osteoarthritis:

  1. Chondrogenesis — MFAT stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes and synthesize hyaline cartilage (type II collagen, proteoglycans)
  2. Anti-inflammatory Effect — suppression of chronic inflammation accelerating destruction (reduction of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13)
  3. Meniscus Regeneration — simultaneous restoration of damaged menisci, recovery of shock absorption
  4. Synovial Fluid Normalization — improved lubrication and cartilage nutrition

Key Difference: Regenerative treatment is not a "lubricant" or pain reliever. It is biological regeneration, confirmed by follow-up MRI: increased cartilage thickness, reduced subchondral edema, restoration of joint space.

Regenerative treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Both knees at once — + hip joints + spine
  • Ultrasound guidance — precise navigation
  • Without anesthesia — local anesthesia
  • Sports without restrictions — after recovery
  • Does not interfere with joint replacement — if needed later

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system for minimally invasive access

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance during the procedure

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

More about technologies →

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

At what stage of knee osteoarthritis is regenerative treatment effective?
Regenerative treatment is most effective at stages I-III. The earlier treatment begins, the better the results. At stage III, significant improvement is possible — pain reduction, restored mobility, and regeneration initiation. At stage IV with complete cartilage destruction, the effect is limited, but symptom relief is achievable.
How is regenerative treatment better than standard knee injections?
Hyaluronic acid is a "lubricant" for 6-12 months. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation for weeks but destroy cartilage. PRP contains only growth factors. Regenerative treatment is CGF (5-10 times more powerful than PRP) + MFAT (stem cells capable of becoming chondrocytes). Delivery under navigation — precisely to the damage site, not "blindly."
Can I play sports after regenerative treatment?
Yes. Unlike joint replacement, regenerative treatment has no restrictions on sports types. Light activity — after 1-2 weeks, full sports — after 6-8 weeks. Many patients return to running, skiing, and tennis.
Does regenerative treatment help with meniscus tears?
Yes. In knee osteoarthritis, menisci are often damaged simultaneously with cartilage. Regenerative treatment treats all structures in one procedure — cartilage, menisci, synovial membrane, ligaments. The comprehensive approach ensures better results.
Can both knees be treated in one procedure?
Yes. Allows treatment of both knee joints, as well as hip joints and spine in one procedure. With joint replacement — only one joint at a time with intervals of months.

Other Knee Joint Conditions

Meniscus Tear → Cruciate Ligament Injury → Chondromalacia → Knee Synovitis → Leg Axis Deformity →

Useful Articles

Knee arthrosis stages Knee arthrosis stages Stem cells in joint treatment Stem cells in joint treatment PRP vs regenerative treatment: What's the Difference? PRP vs regenerative treatment: What's the Difference?

Other conditions: Knee Joint

Meniscus TearCruciate Ligament TearChondromalaciaSynovitisLeg Axis DeformityPatellar Tendinopathy

Also treated with regenerative methods

Herniated DiscSpinal StenosisOsteochondrosisSpondylolisthesis
All treatment areas: SpineHip JointShoulder JointHand & WristFoot & Ankle
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