{"id":2181,"date":"2026-08-10T12:07:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T09:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reocell.com\/?p=2181"},"modified":"2026-08-10T13:37:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T10:37:10","slug":"comparison-of-osteoarthritis-treatment-options-in-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reocell.com\/en\/blog\/comparison-of-osteoarthritis-treatment-options-in-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparison of Osteoarthritis Treatment Options in Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knee pain when walking, morning stiffness, a grating sensation in the joint \u2014 these are the symptoms patients most often describe during an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. Almost immediately, they ask the key question: how can the pain be relieved, and is it possible to avoid surgery? The physician selects an osteoarthritis treatment method individually for each patient, depending on their history and the stage of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article reviews the main treatment approaches available in Ukraine \u2014 from physical therapy and medication to intra-articular injections, cell therapy, and joint replacement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Osteoarthritis Is and What Determines the Choice of Treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affects not only the articular cartilage but also other structures within the joint. While conventional treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of joint degeneration, regenerative medicine addresses the underlying structural damage by promoting the regeneration of cartilage and periarticular tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n

How the Joint Breaks Down: Cartilage Degeneration , Osteophyte Formation, and the Kellgren\u2013Lawrence Classification Stages<\/b><\/h3>\n

In the early stages, cartilage gradually loses its elasticity; over time, the joint space narrows and osteophytes form \u2014 bony outgrowths along the margins of the joint. This is how bone responds to overload and instability once the cartilage can no longer provide adequate shock absorption. Osteophytes often produce a sensation of “locking” and crepitus, and eventually cause the joint to become deformed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Structural changes are assessed using the Kellgren\u2013Lawrence classification, which distinguishes four stages:<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage I.<\/b> The joint space is still normal, with a possible single small osteophyte. Mild pain occurs after exertion and subsides at rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage II.<\/b> The joint space is slightly narrowed, and distinct osteophytes appear. Pain occurs at the onset of movement and with exertion, sometimes accompanied by a grating sensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage III.<\/b> The joint space is moderately narrowed, osteophytes are pronounced, and the subchondral sclerosis develops. Pain becomes more frequent, occurring even at rest, and joint mobility is restricted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage IV.<\/b> The joint space is almost absent, with large osteophytes and joint deformity. Pain is constant and function is significantly impaired \u2014 this is the stage at which joint replacement is discussed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-Pharmacological Methods: The First Line of Osteoarthritis Treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n

Non-pharmacological methods are the foundation of osteoarthritis treatment at any stage. They are recommended by OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) and the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) guidelines, even when a patient is receiving medication or intra-articular injections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Body Weight Control and Adjustment of Joint Load<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even a moderate reduction in body weight decreases the load on the knee and hip joints and may contribute to pain relief. Weight control is recommended for patients who are overweight at any stage of osteoarthritis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Physical therapy helps maintain muscle strength, improves joint mobility, and enhances the patient’s functional capacity. The exercise programme is tailored individually according to the location and stage of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The most common mistake patients make is looking for a single ‘magic’ injection. In osteoarthritis, the best results come from combining physical therapy, body weight control, and properly selected treatment,” explains <\/span>Dmytro Horban<\/span><\/a>, orthopaedic traumatologist of the highest qualification category.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orthopaedic Devices and Orthoses<\/b><\/h3>\n

When necessary, the physician may recommend orthoses \u2014 knee braces, splints that stabilise the joint and offload it \u2014 as well as insoles or a cane to reduce the load on the affected joint. Such aids make movement easier but do not influence the course of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

No injections or medications can replace physical therapy, body weight control, and load management, which remain the foundation of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacological Therapy: Controlling Pain and Inflammation in the Joints<\/b><\/h2>\n

Pharmacological therapy is used to control pain and inflammation and to improve joint function. At the same time, no medication restores damaged cartilage, so drugs are used only as one component of comprehensive treatment, in line with the recommendations of OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International), the ACR (American College of Rheumatology), and the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Systemic and Topical) for Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and inflammation. They may be prescribed as tablets or in topical forms \u2014 ointments, gels, or creams applied directly to the skin over the joint. Because of the risk of adverse effects, treatment is carried out at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest necessary duration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chondroprotective Agents: What Evidence-Based Medicine Says<\/b><\/h3>\n

The evidence base for chondroprotective agents remains inconclusive. Some studies demonstrate a moderate reduction in symptoms in certain patients; however, there is no convincing evidence of an effect on osteoarthritis progression. For this reason, current international guidelines do not regard them as a mandatory component of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intra-Articular Injections: Regenerative Therapies for Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h2>\n

When conservative treatment does not adequately control symptoms, intra-articular injections may be used. The choice of method depends on the stage of osteoarthritis, the symptoms, and the patient’s general condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regenerative therapies represent a distinct category of injectable treatments. Unlike conventional injectable medications that only relieve pain and reduce friction within the joint, they target the repair processes within the joint itself: they help reduce chronic inflammation, support the viability of cartilage cells, and create more favourable conditions for tissue restoration. Such methods include PRP therapy, SVF therapy, and cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections<\/b><\/h3>\n

Hyaluronic acid preparations are used to reduce friction between the articular surfaces and to relieve pain during movement. This method is known as viscosupplementation. It may be recommended for mild or moderate osteoarthritis when baseline treatment does not sufficiently relieve symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

The effect usually develops over several weeks and may last 3\u20136 months. According to the AAOS and OARSI guidelines, the method is not recommended for routine use in all patients, but may be considered after an individual assessment of its benefits and risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

PRP Therapy for Osteoarthritis\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a preparation derived from the patient’s own blood with an increased platelet concentration. Once injected into the joint, platelets release growth factors that are involved in regulating inflammation and tissue repair processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

PRP is used mainly for early or moderate osteoarthritis. According to systematic reviews available through <\/span>PubMed<\/span><\/a>, the effect lasts up to 12 months in some patients. PRP does not replace joint replacement in cases of severe joint destruction.<\/span><\/p>\n

SVF Therapy for Joints (Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy)<\/b><\/h3>\n

SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) is a cell mixture isolated from the patient’s own adipose tissue. It contains mesenchymal stem cells, progenitor cells, endothelial and immune cells, and pericytes. This mixture is capable of influencing joint inflammation and supporting tissue restoration.<\/span><\/p>\n

SVF is used for early or moderate osteoarthritis, and study results appear encouraging. However, the cells used for SVF are not cultured \u2014 the mixture is prepared directly from adipose tissue, so it contains few mesenchymal stromal cells, and their exact number cannot be determined in advance. Everything depends on the patient, their age, and the method of harvesting. Partly for this reason, international guidelines do not yet include SVF among the standards of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy for Joints<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells that participate in the body’s natural tissue repair processes. They regulate inflammation, support the restoration of damaged tissues, and release biologically active molecules that coordinate the activity of other cells. They are also able to differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage, bone, and tendon cells, and they help reduce inflammation and support healing at the site of injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

MSCs are the most frequently studied stem cells in clinical trials (<\/span>Pittenger MF, et al. Mesenchymal stem cell perspective: cell biology to clinical progress. NPJ Regen Med. 2019;4:22<\/span><\/a>). A recent analysis reviewed more than 1,000 stem cell clinical trials, of which 50% were early-phase studies (Phases I\u2013II) (<\/span>Mohamed-Ahmed S, Fristad I, Lie SA, Suliman S, Mustafa K, Vindenes H, Idris SB. Adipose-derived and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a donor-matched comparison. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2018;9(1):168<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Mesenchymal stem cells may improve joint health in two main ways:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. They support natural repair processes.<\/b> After injection into the joint, MSCs release biologically active molecules \u2014 growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes. These help reduce inflammation, protect cartilage cells from further damage, and create favourable conditions for tissue restoration.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. They can differentiate into chondrocytes.<\/b> Under certain conditions, a portion of MSCs is able to differentiate into chondrocytes \u2014 the cells that form and maintain cartilage tissue. This may contribute to improved joint function.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    At ReoCell Clinic, MSC-derived cell therapy products are administered locally, directly into the joint cavity. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Each patient receives a precisely defined number of cells required to achieve the therapeutic effect. This procedure is an alternative to surgical treatment in the early stages of osteoarthritis (<\/span>Holiuk YeL, Poliachenko YuV, Strafun SS, Haiovych IV, Pshenychnyi TYe. Conceptual principles of applying regenerative technologies in osteoarthritis and aseptic necrosis of the hip and knee joints<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Surgical Treatment: When Conservative Methods Are Exhausted<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Surgical treatment is considered only when conservative methods can no longer control pain and maintain the patient’s daily activity. The decision to operate is made taking into account the symptoms, joint function, age, activity level, and examination findings.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Arthroscopy<\/b><\/h3>\n

    In the presence of osteoarthritis, arthroscopy is not used as a primary treatment, but only when concomitant mechanical damage is present (for example, to remove loose cartilage fragments or a meniscal tear that block the joint and cause pain).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Osteotomy<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Osteotomy is performed mainly in younger patients with uneven load distribution across the joint, in order to realign the limb axis and postpone joint replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Joint Replacement<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Joint replacement is recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis, when conservative treatment no longer provides adequate control of pain and joint function. It is the final option in the treatment pathway, as the operation carries surgical risks, requires prolonged rehabilitation, and involves a limited implant lifespan.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Comparative Table of Osteoarthritis Treatment Methods<\/b><\/h2>\n