Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: New Hope for Chronic Pain Sufferers

When living with chronic knee pain, every step can remind you what you're missing out on — whether it's playing with your kids, enjoying a round of golf, or simply walking without discomfort. But there's hope: stem cell therapy offers new possibilities for many who thought they'd run out of options. Recent clinical trials show that nearly 80% of participants experienced significant improvements.

In this article, Bookimed explains what stem cell therapy for knees is all about. You'll learn how it works, who it might help, and what clinical trials reveal. If you're curious about new ways to tackle knee pain and get back to doing what you love, keep reading.

Table of Contents

1. What is Stem Cell Therapy?
2. How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work for Knees?
3. What Is the Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees?
4. What Is the Best Stem Cell Treatment for Knees?
5. Who Is a Good Candidate for Knee Stem Cell Therapy?
6. Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees
7. Side Effects and Risks of Stem Cell Treatment for Knee Pain
8. Stem Cell Therapy vs. Knee Replacement Surgery
9. Stem Cell Therapy Cost and Insurance
10. FAQ

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

In regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment that uses the body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissues. Stem cells are unique because they have the potential to develop into many different types of cells, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle. This regenerative capacity makes them ideal for treating conditions like knee osteoarthritis, where cartilage has worn down and traditional treatments have fallen short.

💡 In a Bookimed-exclusive interview, regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Isabella Bernaschina explain how stem cells are used for orthopedic conditions:

▶️ Watch the whole interview here.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work for Knees?

Stem cell knee therapy works by directly addressing the root cause of the problem—damaged or worn-out tissue, particularly cartilage. Doctors administer direct stem cell injections into the affected area. The injections deliver the stem cells precisely where the damage is, allowing them to begin the repair process.

🦴 Cartilage repair

Stem cells can transform into cartilage cells and rebuild the lost or damaged tissue. This is crucial because cartilage doesn’t regenerate naturally. Without it, bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.

🩹 Tissue repair

In cases of meniscal tears or ligament injuries, stem cells can regenerate soft tissues. They release growth factors that stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, helping to rebuild torn ligaments or meniscus tissue more efficiently than the body might do on its own. This accelerated healing is particularly useful for athletes or those who have suffered traumatic injuries, where quicker recovery is critical.

🔥 Inflammation reduction

Stem cells release anti-inflammatory molecules that help reduce swelling and chronic knee pain. Stem cells actively suppress the immune response, which leads to reduced inflammation and a more favorable healing environment.

⏳ Disease progression slowdown

For conditions like osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy can slow down cartilage degeneration, potentially delaying the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.

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What Is the Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees?

Stem cell therapy has shown promising results for treating knee conditions, particularly for early to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). Research and clinical trials offer several insights into its effectiveness:

👉High success rate. One clinical trial reported that 79.3% of patients with knee osteoarthritis had a noticeable improvement in their knee pain and function. 

👉 Remarkable efficiency. A systematic review of clinical studies concluded that just 1 stem cell injection provides positive clinical outcomes for knee osteoarthritis in its earlier stages. 

👉 Long-term improvements. A meta-analysis found that patients treated with stem cells experienced greater improvements in pain and function over 24 months compared to those receiving standard treatments. In fact, some patients continued to see benefits for 3 years after treatment, especially for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

👉 Radiological results. Radiological studies showed that, over time, stem cell therapy helped reduce cartilage defects, slow joint degeneration, and even improve cartilage volume and structure in some patients:

• The size of bone marrow lesions shrank by nearly 27%.
• Cartilage repair scores improved by 9.2 to 10.6 points depending on the severity of osteoarthritis.

What Is the Best Stem Cell Treatment for Knees?

The most commonly used types of stem cells are:

1. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is widely used because MSCs can differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage, bone, and fat cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are found in multiple parts of the body, but they are typically harvested from:

• Bone marrow is one of the most common sources of mesenchymal stem cells. Bone marrow stem cells are ideal for regenerating cartilage and other tissues in the knee.
• Adipose tissue (fat) can also be a source of mesenchymal stem cells. These adult stem cells are known for their high concentration and ease of collection.

2. Umbilical cord-derived stem cells (UC-MSCs)

Stem cells sourced from umbilical cords are gaining traction for their strong regenerative properties and low risk of immune rejection. UC-MSCs have a greater capacity for differentiation and proliferation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Knee Stem Cell Therapy?

✔️ People with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis

Those with knee osteoarthritis in its early to moderate stages can benefit most from stem cell therapy. The treatment helps regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation before the condition progresses too far.

 ✔️ Patients with knee injuries

Patients with meniscal tears, ligament damage, or cartilage injuries due to sports or physical activity are also good candidates. Stem cell therapy can accelerate tissue repair and reduce recovery time.

✔️ People seeking to delay or avoid knee surgery

Stem cell therapy is a non-surgical treatment that can slow down joint degeneration and improve knee function. Therefore, it may appeal to people who want to avoid more invasive treatments, like knee replacement surgery.

✔️ Patients who haven’t responded to other treatments

Those who have tried other conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, or cortisone injections with little success may find stem cell therapy to be an effective next step.

Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

Stem cell therapy offers many potential benefits, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it's the right option. Here’s a quick look at both sides:

👍 Pros 

• Non-invasive. Stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive procedure compared to knee surgery, with no need for large incisions or lengthy recovery times.
• Pain relief & improved mobility. Patients experience significant pain reduction and increased knee joint function within a few months of treatment. 
• Tissue regeneration. Unlike other treatments that just manage symptoms, stem cells work to regenerate damaged knee cartilage and tissues, leading to longer-lasting results.
• Low risk of complications. The side effects from stem cell injections are mild, temporary, and, if they arise, resolve within a few days.
• Quick recovery. Patients can resume light daily activities within 1-2 days and return to sports in 4-6 weeks.
• Cost-efficient. The cost is 4-6 times lower than for knee surgery.

👎 Cons

• Less effective for severe cases. Stem cell therapy has a less noticeable impact on people with severe knee osteoarthritis.
• Not covered by insurance. Insurers don’t tend to cover stem cell treatments for knees since they are still relatively new and have yet to be approved by the FDA.
• Repeat treatments. To maintain results, patients may need multiple treatments over time.
• Limited long-term research. While early clinical trial results are promising, research into stem cell therapies is still ongoing. Long-term studies will confirm whether the benefits are sustained over many years.

Side Effects and Risks of Stem Cell Treatment for Knee Pain

While numerous studies confirm the safety of stem cell therapy for knees, there are a few small risks to be aware of:

• Mild side effects. Some patients may experience swelling, redness, or discomfort at the injection site, but these usually subside within a few days.
• Infection. As with any injection, there's a slight chance of infection, but this is rare when proper sterilization is in place.

Stem Cell Therapy vs. Knee Replacement Surgery

When it comes to treating knee osteoarthritis or injuries, patients often face two options: knee replacement surgery or stem cell therapy. Knee replacement is a permanent, surgical solution that involves removing and replacing parts of the knee. On the other hand, stem cell therapy focuses on healing the existing tissues and is less invasive.

Both have advantages and are suited to different stages and severities of knee conditions. Let’s compare these two options across key parameters:

1. Ideal candidate 👌

• Stem cell therapy: Best suited for patients with mild to moderate knee issues who want to avoid surgery.

• Knee replacement: More suitable for severe cases of knee osteoarthritis.

2. Invasiveness 💉

• Stem cell therapy: Minimally invasive, involves injections directly into the knee joint.
• Knee replacement: Highly invasive, requires major surgery for joint replacement with a prosthetic.

3. Recovery time ⏳

• Stem cell therapy: Patients can return to normal activities the day after receiving stem cell therapy for knees. However, they should avoid strenuous activities for the first 2 weeks to allow stem cells to settle and begin regeneration.
• Knee replacement: Recovery is much longer, typically requiring 6-12 weeks of physical therapy and limited mobility.

4. Cost 💵

• Stem cell therapy: More affordable upfront (between $3,000 and $8,000) but not covered by insurance.
• Knee replacement: More expensive ($20,000 - $33,000 on average) but usually covered by insurance, especially in cases of severe knee osteoarthritis.

5. Results 📈

• Stem cell therapy: Aims to regenerate cartilage and decrease pain over time. Patients can experience lasting improvement in pain and mobility for over 2 years after treatment.
• Knee replacement: Offers more immediate relief from pain. However, prosthetics have a lifespan and may need replacement in 15-20 years.

6. Risks 🚨

• Stem cell therapy: Low risk of complications, with minimal side effects like temporary swelling or discomfort.
• Knee replacement: Carries greater risks, including infection, blood clots, and complications related to the surgery itself.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the patient’s condition and long-term goals. Stem cell therapy provides a less invasive and faster alternative, while knee replacement offers more definitive relief for severe cases.

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Stem Cell Therapy Cost and Insurance

The cost of stem cell therapy for knees can vary significantly based on the clinic, location, and type of treatment. On average, the price ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 per treatment, and since multiple treatments might be necessary, the total cost can increase.

🤔 Does insurance cover stem cell therapy for knees? 

In most cases, insurance does not cover knee stem cell therapy, as insurers still consider it an experimental treatment. The FDA has not yet fully approved stem cell therapy for orthopedic use, including conditions like knee osteoarthritis. However, insurance coverage could expand as more studies confirm its effectiveness.

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FAQ

Can stem cells treat osteoarthritis?

Stem cells can help treat osteoarthritis by regenerating damaged cartilage and reducing joint inflammation. While stem cell therapy is not a definitive cure, it has shown promising results in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis, relieving knee pain, and enhancing joint function.

Can stem cells regrow cartilage?

Yes, stem cells have the potential to regrow cartilage by transforming into cartilage cells (chondrocytes). Studies show that stem cell therapy can help repair damaged cartilage, especially in knee joints.

Interestingly, Stanford University researchers were able to trigger skeletal stem cells to begin the process of bone formation but halt it at the cartilage stage, effectively creating tissue that closely resembles natural cartilage.

Is it a safe treatment?

Yes, multiple systematic reviews have concluded that stem cell therapy is safe and carries a low risk of complications or side effects.

How long does stem cell therapy last for knees?

Current studies show that the benefits of stem cell therapy for knees can last for up to 24 months. Patients experience significant knee pain relief and improved joint function during this period. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the benefits can last between 1 to 3 years. However, more long-term research is still needed to evaluate the benefits beyond these timeframes.

When can I see the results?

According to Dr. Isabella Bernaschina, the average time of cell regeneration is 2 months:

What is the recovery time for stem cell therapy for knees?

Recovery is quick. Most patients can return to work or daily activities within 1-2 days without needing crutches or braces. Still, it’s important to avoid unnecessary strain for about 2 weeks to ensure proper healing. Most patients can return to sports or intense activities in 4-6 weeks.

Does Medicare pay for stem cell therapy for knees?

At present, Medicare does not cover stem cell therapy for knees. Medicare typically covers only established treatments. Since stem cell therapy is still under research and not yet FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions, it is not eligible for coverage. Nevertheless, Medicare may cover certain costs if the treatment is part of an FDA-approved clinical trial.

Are there similar treatments?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine similar to stem cell therapy in that both involve injections to heal the damaged tissue. Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses the patient's own blood platelets, which are rich in growth factors, to promote tissue healing and decrease inflammation. Stem cell therapy may have broader regenerative potential, whereas PRP focuses more on enhancing current tissue repair.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a good option for mild joint issues or early-stage osteoarthritis. On the other hand, stem cell therapy can provide longer-lasting relief and better results for moderate joint damage.

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