The Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: Your Guide to Treatment and Expenses

Chronic knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults, and its prevalence has increased by 65% in two decades. Stem cell therapy offers a breakthrough solution, using regenerative cells to repair damaged tissues and restore mobility. Imagine a life without chronic pain—no more limping, no more missed activities, and no more endless searches for relief.

But how much does this treatment cost, and is it right for you? Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

1. What Factors Influence Stem Cell Knee Injection Cost?
2. Stem Cell Knee Injections: Cost Worldwide
3. Does Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy for Knees?
4. What to Expect from the Treatment Process
5. How Stem Cell Knee Injections Work
6. FAQ

What Factors Influence Stem Cell Knee Injection Cost?

Stem cell knee therapy cost fluctuates widely—between $1,200 and $12,000 worldwide. This happens because of certain factors:

• Physician's expertise. The experience and reputation of the orthopedic team performing the procedure can also affect the price. Highly specialized doctors may charge more for their services.
• Clinic's location. Clinics in countries with advanced healthcare systems, like Switzerland, charge more due to higher operational costs and the level of expertise. In contrast, popular medical tourism destinations like Mexico offer more affordable care due to a competitive market while maintaining high standards.
• Type of stem cells. The stem cells' source—whether from your own body (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic)—can significantly impact the cost. Autologous treatments, which involve harvesting cells from your bone marrow or fat tissue, tend to be more expensive due to the complexity of the procedure.
• Treatment complexity. The number of injections required, the method of administration, and any accompanying therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or physical therapy, can increase the overall cost.
• Additional services. Some clinics include pre-treatment consultations, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation. While these packages can add to the overall cost, they reduce the price of each individual element, making the treatment more cost-effective in the long run.

Why is it worth to opt for an all-inclusive package?

Bookimed’s partner clinics offer numerous all-inclusive packages, sometimes at special prices for Bookimed patients. Depending on the inclusions, they can cost from $1,200 to $14,500. 

Here’s why an all-inclusive package is a smart choice:

• 🙌 Comprehensive care. Everything you need—consultations, pre-op tests, and follow-ups—is handled in one package.
• 🔖 Cost-effective. While the upfront cost might be higher, you save on individual services. Packages often include extras like VIP transfers, advanced treatments, and accommodations.
• ✈️ Convenience. These packages take care of logistics, like airport transfers and hotel stays so that you can focus on your treatment.
• 💎 Exclusive perks. Some packages offer additional benefits like full board (meals and drinks), language assistance, and supporting treatments.

Stem Cell Knee Injections: Cost Worldwide

The average cost typically ranges between $3,000 and $8,000 per knee. However, prices can fluctuate greatly, with clinics worldwide charging anywhere from $1,200 to $12,000. 

Here’s a handy comparison of prices across the most popular destinations:

Country	Stem Cell Therapy Cost
United States	$5,000 - $12,000 (per knee)
Mexico	$2,000 - $4,000
Turkey	$3,000 - $5,500
Israel	$4,000 - $6,000
Switzerland	$5,000 - $11,000
Colombia	$5,000 - $9,000

In the United States, costs are higher and are usually charged per knee, which can quickly add up. On the other hand, countries like Mexico and Turkey have options that are 2-3 times more affordable. Moreover, they offer comprehensive treatment packages covering multiple aspects of care. 

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Bookimed has prepared a detailed overview of the most popular countries for knee stem cell therapy. Below, you'll find a closer look at affordable treatment options and costs for each destination.

Stem cell therapy for knees in Mexico

Mexico is a top destination for stem cell treatment with the lowest prices on our list. It offers knee injections at costs 2-3 times less than in the U.S. or Europe—the average price ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Despite the lower prices, Mexico’s clinics are modern, well-equipped, and staffed by experienced medical professionals. Many clinics offer complex treatment plans, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, to enhance the effectiveness of stem cell treatments.

The country’s regulatory environment, overseen by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS), ensures that these treatments meet high standards of safety and effectiveness.

Here’s a glimpse into what Mexico has to offer for stem cell knee treatments:

Stem cell knee injections in Turkey

Turkey offers advanced stem cell injections at competitive prices, typically between $3,000 and $5,500. Turkey provides great value without sacrificing quality compared to the higher costs in the U.S. and Europe. 

Turkish stem cell clinics offer comprehensive packages that include accommodations, airport transfers, post-treatment care, and additional treatments to enhance recovery.

Stem cell knee injections in Israel

Israel offers a middle ground for stem cell knee therapy with advanced medical care and moderate prices—average prices range from $4,000 to $6,000. 

🏥 Sourasky Medical Center in Israel offers a unique Orthokine Treatment package that combines the power of stem cell therapy with advanced anti-inflammatory treatment. Orthokine therapy uses your own blood to fight inflammation and alleviate chronic knee pain.

Stem cell knee therapy in Switzerland

Switzerland offers stem cell knee injections with prices ranging from $5,000 to $11,000, placing it on the higher end compared to other countries. 

The costs reflect the country’s highly developed healthcare system, strict regulatory environment, and high-tech research facilities. Swissmedic, the national regulatory authority, ensures that stem cells used in treatments meet rigorous standards.

Stem cell knee injections in Colombia

Colombia, with its specialized clinics and celebrity clientele, occupies a niche market with slightly higher prices than in countries like Mexico or Turkey. Here, stem cell injection therapy for knees can cost from $5,000 to $9,000. 

Premier stem cell treatment for knee pain in Colombia:

Does Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy for Knees?

Insurance usually does not cover stem cell knee therapy, as it is still considered a new and experimental procedure. Currently, the FDA only approves specific uses of stem cell treatments, such as transplanting bone marrow stem cells for blood-related disorders. 

However, clinical trials are showing promise for stem cell knee therapy to become a well-established treatment. For instance, Mayo Clinic currently conducts FDA-approved clinical trials of its RECLAIM stem cell therapy for knee cartilage injury.

What to Expect from the Treatment Process

Stem cell injections are a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain and promotes healing. The general steps of the treatment include:

1️⃣ Consultation and assessment. During a consultation, the doctor evaluates your knee condition. They may use imaging guidance (X-rays or MRIs) to get a clear picture of the damage.

2️⃣ Harvesting stem cells. If the treatment uses your own cells, doctors will extract stem cells from your bone marrow or fat tissue. This is a quick procedure done with a needle.

3️⃣ Processing the cells. The collected stem cells are processed in a lab to concentrate the most potent ones. This step ensures you’re getting the best quality cells for your treatment.

4️⃣ Injection. The highly concentrated stem cells are then injected directly into the injured knee joint. Doctors often use ultrasound to guide the injection, ensuring precise placement.

5️⃣ Recovery. After the injection, you might feel some swelling or discomfort, but this usually goes away in a few days. Your doctor will guide you on how to care for your knee and what activities to avoid.

6️⃣ Results. Over the next few weeks to months, you should start noticing less pain and better mobility as the stem cells work to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue.

How Stem Cell Knee Injections Work

Here’s how stem cells work to enhance your health:

• Unique abilities. Stem cells are remarkable because they can transform into various types of cells, including those that make up cartilage, muscle, and bone. When injected into a damaged knee joint, these cells target the injured or worn-out areas and start to repair and regenerate the tissue.
• Reduce inflammation. In addition to promoting tissue repair, stem cells release anti-inflammatory factors that help reduce knee pain and swelling. 
• Promote healing. The body can heal itself naturally, but in many cases, particularly with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, this healing process slows down or becomes inefficient. Stem cell therapy essentially boosts the body’s natural healing mechanisms by providing a concentrated dose of cells to jump-start the repair process.

Clinical evidence

A growing body of clinical research supports the ability of stem cells to alleviate chronic knee pain and improve joint function.

Here are some key findings:

👉 Effectiveness across stem cell types. A systematic review of 16 clinic studies found that stem cells derived from donors' umbilical cord tissue or a patient’s own adipose (fat) cells were particularly effective. Nevertheless, patients treated with any type of stem cells experienced significant knee pain reduction and improved knee function.

👉 Safety and efficacy for early to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Another systematic review focused on stem cell use for early to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). It concluded that a single stem cell injection provides good clinical outcomes, making it a viable option for managing knee OA at earlier stages.

👉 Long-term improvement in pain and function. One meta-analysis found that patients treated with stem cells showed greater knee pain and function improvements over 24 months compared to the control group.

FAQ

Who is an appropriate candidate for stem cell knee therapy?

• Orthopedic conditions. Ideal for patients suffering from a chronic condition like osteoarthritis, torn meniscus, or ligament injuries.
• Early stage of osteoarthritis. Patients with early to moderate knee OA (grade 3) tend to see better results from stem cell therapy. Studies have shown that MSC implantation is more effective in this stage than in more advanced stages, such as grade 4 OA.
• Lack of response to other treatments. Ideal candidates are those who have exhausted conservative measures like physical therapy or pain medications and haven’t found relief.
• Good overall health. Patients with a healthy immune system, stable weight, well-managed chronic conditions, and no significant comorbidities experience better healing and regeneration.
• The goal of avoiding surgery. Patients looking to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery may consider stem cell therapy as a less invasive alternative with promising patient outcomes.

Is there an age limit for stem cell knee therapy?

There’s no strict age limit for stem cell knee therapy, but it's generally more effective for those under 60. Older patients can still benefit, especially if they are in good health and their knee issues are in the early to moderate stages.

However, as we age, the body’s natural healing abilities decrease, which may affect the treatment’s effectiveness. It’s best to consult a doctor to determine suitability based on your age and condition.

How long does it take to see results?

Patients can start noticing improvements in pain and mobility within a few weeks after the injection. However, the full benefits of the treatment may take several months to become apparent, as the stem cells continue to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue.

How long do therapy effects last?

The effects of stem cell knee therapy can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Clinical trials show that pain relief and functional improvements can last up to 2 years or longer. However, the longevity of the treatment can vary, and some patients may require follow-up treatments to maintain results.

Is stem cell knee injection therapy painful?

Stem cell injections are similar in sensation to other knee injections, like corticosteroids or lubricant injections. The only difference is that they can involve both an injection and an extraction (if using your own cells). 

Your doctor can apply a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area, so the process is virtually pain-free. Patients can experience mild soreness at the injection site, comparable to what you might feel after a standard shot, blood draw, or injection.

Are there any side effects?

Possible side effects from a stem cell knee injection are mild and temporary. They can include minor swelling, bruising, or soreness at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days. As with any procedure, there’s a small risk of infection or allergic reaction. 

By choosing a healthcare provider through Bookimed, you can minimize risks and be sure you will receive care from specialized doctors in a top clinic.

How many stem cell knee injections are needed?

The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of the knee condition and the patient’s response to the therapy. A systematic review of clinical trials posits that just 1 stem cell knee injection is sufficient for positive results. However, some patients may require follow-up sessions to maintain or enhance the results.

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