Around 790,000 Americans undergo total knee replacement surgery annually, often after years of battling pain and reduced mobility. Some turn to addictive medications only to find temporary relief. While knee surgery may seem like the final answer, what if there was a minimally invasive alternative?
Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative, tapping into your body’s natural healing abilities without the long recovery times or dependency on medication. In this article, we’ll cover the most popular destinations and the top 10 clinics specializing in stem cell knee injections.
✈️💸 Key Destinations and Costs
Table of Contents
- Best Countries Offering Stem Cell Injections for Knees
- Top 10 Clinics for Knee Stem Cell Therapy Worldwide
- Next Steps
- FAQ
Best Countries Offering Stem Cell Injections for Knees
If you’re considering knee stem cell therapy, some of the best options lie beyond U.S. borders. In the U.S., this treatment is still under review by the FDA. It hasn't yet been widely approved for use outside of clinical trials. This makes it harder to find reliable and affordable treatment options domestically.
Other countries’ regulatory bodies, like Colombia’s INVIMA, have approved stem cell therapies, allowing for verified, accessible treatment options. Fewer regulatory hurdles in these countries lead to lower treatment costs. This also gives medical professionals more freedom to innovate and explore new advancements in regenerative therapy.
🤔 Where can I get stem cell treatment for knee problems?
The regions that stand out for their stem cell therapy options are:
✈️ Latin America (Mexico, Colombia). The proximity to the U.S. means shorter travel, while competitive pricing and the latest technologies make these countries a prime spot for medical tourists and celebrities alike.
✈️ Middle East (Turkey, Israel). Turkey has rapidly become a hub for medical tourism, offering knee stem cell treatment with advanced techniques. Israeli clinics, known for their stem cell research, provide progressive care backed by years of innovation in regenerative medicine.
✈️ Europe (Switzerland). Switzerland is known for its premium healthcare system and high-end stem cell therapies. While the costs here are higher, the quality and precision of treatment make Switzerland a top choice for those seeking elite medical care.
✈️ Asia (Thailand). Thailand has built a reputation as a leader in medical tourism, providing exceptional care at significantly lower costs compared to other regions.
Bookimed has analyzed data from over 150 partner clinics offering knee stem cell injections, along with insights from the broader market. Here’s how the costs in these regions stack up against U.S. prices:
Country | Cost |
|---|---|
United States | $5,000 - $12,000 (per knee) |
$2,000 - $4,000 | |
$5,000 - $9,000 | |
$3,000 - $5,500 | |
$4,000 - $6,000 | |
$5,000 - $11,000 | |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
❗ Note that the U.S. prices are for one knee only, while medical tourism hubs often include both knees and extra perks like consultations, post-care, transfers, and accommodation in their packages.
On average, knee stem cell therapy in these regions is 2 to 4 times more affordable than in the U.S. This substantial difference comes down to fewer regulatory barriers, lower operational costs, and a highly competitive medical tourism industry.
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- Dr. Hernán Flores is a certified and recertified specialist by the Mexican Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
- REHABILITA REGENERATIVE MEDICINE has treated over 5,000 patients with advanced therapies like stem cells.
- Included Services: Consultation with a physician, 5-star hotel, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 3 days stay in a hotel included in the price.
- Dr. Olcay Guler has pioneered advanced 3D surgical planning and simulation techniques for orthopedic surgery.
- Memorial Şişli Hospital is the first in Turkey accredited by JCI for high-quality treatment.
- Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, consultation with an orthopedist traumatologist, 3D surgical planning and simulation, 3D-printed patient-specific surgical guide, hospitalization, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 1-day hospital stay, 2-day hotel stay, all included in the price.
- Method: Arthrosis Stem Cell Treatment.
- Dr. Ron Arbel is a treating physician of the Israeli national volleyball team.
- Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) was ranked among top 10 most popular clinics for medical tourists by Newsweek.
- Included Services: Blood tests, consultation with a doctor, complete blood count (CBC), consultation with an orthopedist traumatologist, consultation with an orthopedist, follow-up examination, medications, transfer to the hospital.
- Stay Info: 0 days stay in the hospital, 5 days stay in the hotel (not included in the price).
- Method: Orthokine Treatment.
- Dr. Nurullah Sener: Expert in advanced arthroscopic and joint replacement surgeries.
- Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital: Accredited by JCI and ISO 9001, serving patients globally.
- Included Services: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks), Blood tests, Language assistance, Preoperative tests, Consultation with an orthopedist, Hospitalization, Transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hospital, no hotel stay included.
- Dr. Erman Cekic has completed the Master Knee Arthroscopy Course at Acıbadem University.
- OrtoCare Clinic specializes in orthopedics, physical therapy, medical pilates, and joint/pain treatments.
- Included Services: Consultation with an orthopedist, consultation with a nutritionist, follow-up examination, general anesthesia, preoperative tests, 5* hotel, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hospital, 5 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Technique: Knee Arthroscopy with Stem Cell Therapy and Post-operation Manual Therapies.
Top 10 Clinics for Knee Stem Cell Therapy Worldwide
Using our Ranking Policy, we evaluated our partner clinics based on:
- patient demand;
- reviews;
- available treatment programs;
- quality of communication;
- achievements, certifications, and awards.
As a result, we’ve selected the top 10 clinics across key regions for high-quality knee stem cell treatment.
Clinic | Location | Description | Approximate Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
Cancun, Mexico | A regenerative medicine center with 12 years of expertise in immunology and rheumatology. Offers 4-star hotel accommodation and VIP transfers. | $7,000 per 1 stem cell knee injection | |
Istanbul, Turkey | Uses patients' own bone marrow stem cells for orthopedic treatments. Certified by the Turkish Ministry of Health for stem cell therapies. | Upon request | |
Bangkok, Thailand | Uses mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord donors. Stem cells undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure safety. | From $5,500 | |
Playa del Carmen, Mexico | A leader in regenerative medicine with its own stem cell bank and laboratory. Offers personalized home care and boasts an 80% success rate. | $1,600 - $4,800 | |
Istanbul, Turkey | One of Turkey’s leading hospitals, specializing in stem cell treatments for joint diseases like arthrosis. JCI-accredited, handles over 1 million patients annually. | $4,000 - $7,500 | |
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Uses stem cells for chronic knee pain and sports injuries. Features a team of biologists and medical experts with 20 years of experience. | $4,000 - $6,200 | |
Cancun, Mexico | A global leader in stem cell research and therapy, headquartered in San Diego, USA. Treatment cost includes nutritional IV therapy and dietary guidance during recovery. | $8,500 | |
Medellín, Colombia | Focuses on arthritis, chronic knee pain, and autoimmune diseases. The team has over 15 years of experience. | Depends on condition | |
Tel Aviv, Israel | Israel’s largest multidisciplinary medical center, ranked among the top 10 clinics for medical tourists worldwide. Offers Orthokine therapy to promote healing. | $6,500 | |
Lugano, Switzerland | Led by Adolfo Panfili, President of the International Association of Orthomolecular Medicine. Offices in Switzerland, Italy, and Dubai. | $7,800–$11,000 |
🏨 Cellular Hope Institute — Cancun, Mexico (from $7,000)
Located in the heart of Cancun’s "Stem Cell Circle," Cellular Hope Institute boasts 12 years of experience. Their comprehensive protocols combine exosomes, allogeneic mesenchymal cells, and autologous bone marrow cells to alleviate chronic knee pain.
🤩 Wow-Factor: Cellular Hope Institute treats high-profile patients, including athletes like Mike Tyson and Cristiano Ronaldo.
🏥 Accreditation and Expertise: The clinic is accredited by the Mexican General Health Council and COFEPRIS (the Mexican FDA equivalent). It features a team of top specialists—from radiologists to regenerative medicine experts.
🔬 Facilities: The clinic boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory for cell culture expansion, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Additionally, a cryopreservation unit keeps stem cell samples safely stored for future treatments.
- Dr. Maritza Novas has achieved a 100% success rate in treating autistic cases with stem cells.
- Cellular Hope Institute serves patients from Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Included services: Consultation with a doctor, 4* hotel, VIP transfer.
- Stay info: 1 day stay in a 4* hotel included in the price.
- Technique: 30,000,000 MSC stem cells 1 joint injection.
🏨 Liv Hospital Ulus — Istanbul, Turkey
Liv Hospital spans 30,000 m² with 50 specialized clinics, including Centers of Excellence certified by Surgical Review Corporation. Every year, around 50,000 international patients choose Liv for advanced treatments.
🧫 Expertise: Liv orthopedists utilize stem cells for tissue regeneration at the Stem Cell Research & Manufacturing Center. This treatment is available for individuals aged 15-55 with cartilage and tendon injuries, joint degeneration, or sports-related traumas.
🤩 Wow-Factor: The clinic uses at least 3 million stem cells per 1 cm of the lesion, ensuring thorough treatment.
LIV orthopedists apply stem cells for knee cartilage replacement at the Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research & Manufacturing. People aged 15-55 years can receive cell therapy for cartilage and tendon injuries, joint degeneration, and sports traumas.
Stem cell knee injections cost depends on the disease severity and number of the cells needed for treatment. At least 3 million of stem cells per 1 cm of the lesion are necessary. The period of the cells production lasts 4-6 weeks. During this period a patient can stay in the country. Cost of stem cell therapy for knees does not include accommodation in Turkey.
A surgeon implants the cells in 24-48 hours after their production. The duration of the injection is few minutes. Stem cell knee replacement cost is also affected by the injections amount.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
🏨 ID Clinic — Bangkok, Thailand (from $5,500)
ID Clinic specializes in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatments for conditions like autoimmune diseases and knee joint pain. The clinic’s packages cover all necessary expenses, such as pre-op check-ups, lab tests, doctor fees, anesthesia, and post-procedure care.
🤩 Wow-Factor: The clinic uses mesenchyme cells derived from umbilical cord blood, renowned for their ability to self-renew and repair damaged tissue. Its specialists carefully test stem cells to ensure purity and safety.
- Dr. Phatcharasak Kraisornphongsakul Md is board certified in plastic surgery since 2000.
- ID Clinic Bangkok serves 4,000 patients annually, with visitors from Europe, the USA, and more.
- Included Services: Hotel, chest X-ray, complete blood count (CBC), consultation with an orthopedist, hospitalization + afterward hotel stay, transfer to the hospital.
- Stay Info: 1 day stay in the hospital, 4 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Treatment Method: MSC stem cell therapy for knee.
🏨 Medical Center Juventa — Playa del Carmen, Mexico (from $1,600)
Medical Center Juventa focuses on orthopedics, endocrinology, and immunology. The clinic specializes in treating knee joints, knee osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The cost of treatments includes private transfers and accommodation.
🧫 Expertise: Dr. Isabella Bernaschina, a specialist with over a decade of experience, conducts stem cell treatments at the center. She is a certified member of RCG, the leading medical community of regenerative medicine in Mexico.
Medical Center Juventa is a private single-specialty medical center located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The team is dedicated to Orthopedics, Endocrinology and Immunology. Medical Center Juventa serves only patients FROM 12 years old. 500 patients choose Medical Center Juventa to get medical care every year. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Arab League States and USA, Canada, Australia visit the clinic most often.
Latest review
| Stem cell therapy for knees | $1600 - $4800 |
🏨 Medipol Mega University Hospital — Istanbul, Turkey (from $4,000)
Medipol Mega University Hospital is one of Turkey's largest multi-specialty medical centers. Its team treats over 1,200 patients daily. Medipol’s Orthopedics and Traumatology Department uses stem cells for knee diseases and injuries.
🧫 Expertise: The hospital’s orthopedists are among the few in Turkey qualified to perform stem cell knee injections. They offer specialized therapies for patients with knee joint pathologies or trauma.
- Dr. Ahmet Murat Bulbul has authored 89 national and international indexed articles in orthopedics.
- Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi treats over 1,200 patients daily with advanced technologies like Da Vinci Surgical System.
- Included Services: Consultation with an orthopedist, Transfer airport-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: Accommodation is not included, 0 days stay in the hotel.
🏨 Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (from $4,000)
For over 20 years, Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine Center has been a leader in this field. The clinic boasts a multidisciplinary team of biologists, biophysicists, biochemists, and nutritionists. The clinic is fully licensed and regulated by COFEPRIS, guaranteeing the highest safety and quality standards.
🧫 Expertise: The clinic offers knee treatments with a unique blend of 100 million fresh mesenchymal stem cells, 1 billion exosomes, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhanced with ozone. What sets the clinic apart is the ability to customize cellular therapy based on the patient’s unique needs, using stem cells sourced from dental tissue, placenta, Wharton’s jelly, and endometrial tissues.
🤩 Wow-Factor: Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine stands out by using only fresh cells, avoiding freezing during transport to keep the cells fully active. This ensures a higher success rate for treatments.
Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine is a multi-specialty medical center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The team specializes in immunology, infectious diseases, dental treatment, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology, as well as anti-aging, chronic diseases, neurology, sports medicine, and stem cell therapy.
For over 20 years, Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine has been a trusted clinic in regenerative medicine, notably stem cell therapy. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Latin America, the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
The medical center has a team of professionals consisting of biologists, biophysicists, biochemists and nutritionists with decades of experience, nationally and internationally recognized, highly qualified to develop medical protocols using mesenchymal stem cells and other treatments focused on regenerative medicine.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
🏨 Giostar — Mexico (from $8,500)
Giostar Stem Cell Therapy Clinic has three locations in Mexico—Los Algodones, Playa del Carmen, and Guadalajara—all certified by COFEPRIS. Giostar specializes in treating a broad range of conditions, including joint and muscular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and sports injuries. As pioneers in stem cell technology, GIOSTAR’s team of scientists and clinicians has been at the forefront of stem cell research for over 20 years.
🤩 Wow-Factor: GIOSTAR’s headquarters in San Diego, California, directly links the clinic to the latest in U.S. stem cell research and medical innovation.
- Cristina Santana attended the International Congress on Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy.
- Giostar Stem Cell Therapy Clinic provides autologous and allogeneic stem cell therapy for muscular injuries.
- Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, biochemistry blood test, consultation with a physician, follow-up visit, consultation with a nutritionist, vitamin infusions, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hotel, accommodation is not included.
- Method: 35 Million Stem Cells Therapy for Arthritis.
🏨 Reju Medical Clinic — Medellín, Colombia
Reju Medical Clinic is a global regenerative medicine provider with additional branches in Mexico, Belgium, Thailand, and Azerbaijan. The clinic specializes in treating autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, and other medical conditions that are difficult to manage with traditional treatments. All procedures are conducted by highly experienced professionals, each with 15+ years in the field of stem cell therapies.
🧫 Expertise: Reju offers a minimum of 3 stem cell applications throughout the treatment. They use umbilical cord blood stem cells collected from healthy women after C-section births. These donations are thoroughly screened for diseases to ensure safety.
Reju Medical is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Medellín, Colombia. The team is dedicated to Aesthetic Medicine and Cosmetology, and Longevity health. At REJU, your safety is our number one priority. The skilled and caring medical providers will bring patients' disposal a wealth of experience in stem cell applications and therapies. The procedure will be performed only with very experienced medical professionals with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the field.
They will take a hands-on approach to adapting and altering patients' stem cell requirements to minimize pain wherever possible and increase comfort levels during recovery.
Reju Medical serves both adults and children. 350 patients choose Reju Medical to get medical care every year. Patients from the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
🏨 Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center — Tel Aviv, Israel (from $6,400)
As Israel's largest multidisciplinary medical facility, Sourasky Medical Center treats over 400,000 patients annually. Newsweek ranks it among the top 10 clinics for medical tourists worldwide.
🤩 Wow-Factor: Sourasky offers Orthokine therapy, a revolutionary and natural way to treat knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, and tendon or muscle injuries. This therapy uses the patient’s own blood to produce an anti-inflammatory protein. It is then injected into the affected area, offering drug-free relief.
- Dr. Ron Arbel is a treating physician of the Israeli national volleyball team.
- Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) was ranked among top 10 most popular clinics for medical tourists by Newsweek.
- Included Services: Blood tests, consultation with a doctor, complete blood count (CBC), consultation with an orthopedist traumatologist, consultation with an orthopedist, follow-up examination, medications, transfer to the hospital.
- Stay Info: 0 days stay in the hospital, 5 days stay in the hotel (not included in the price).
- Method: Orthokine Treatment.
🏨 LaCLINIQUE — Switzerland (from $8,000)
Last but certainly not least on our list, LaCLINIQUE of Switzerland® is a prominent healthcare provider with locations across Switzerland, Italy, and Dubai. LaCLINIQUE leverages international collaborations with Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., Italy, and other countries to stay on the cutting edge of stem cell therapies.
🤩 Wow-Factor: Patients receive stem cells under the care of Prof. Adolfo Panfili, the President of the International Association of Orthomolecular Medicine (AIMO). Prof. Panfili is an orthopedic surgeon and a student of Linus Pauling, the Nobel Prize-winning inventor of orthomolecular medicine. He pioneered techniques blending regenerative medicine with orthomolecular sciences to repair cartilage, bone, and joint structures.
🧫 Expertise: LaCLINIQUE offers injections of stem cells sourced from the patient’s adipose tissue (ADSCs). This technique is ideal for mild to moderate orthopedic issues affecting the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, and other joints.
- Dr. Adolfo Panfili pioneered the use of stromal vascular fraction rich in stem cells in Europe.
- LaCLINIQUE of Switzerland® centers apply the most modern and exclusive therapeutic protocols.
- Included Services: 1 PRP session, transfer airport-clinic-airport.
Next Steps
If you’re still unsure where to head for treatment, Bookimed is here to help. Here’s how to get started:
💚 Submit a request on the Bookimed website.
💚 Explore personalized suggestions from your medical coordinator, tailored to your needs and budget.
💚 Receive a treatment plan designed just for you.
💚 Schedule your treatment and arrange your trip with full support from Bookimed.
💚 Enjoy Bookimed’s 24/7 assistance, free of charge, from choosing a clinic to returning home.
Let Bookimed make your experience smooth and stress-free!
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FAQ
Why are stem cells so powerful?
Stem cells can transform into different types of cells and amplify the body’s natural repair system. They promote the healing process by self-renewing and replacing cells affected by knee injury or disease. Stem cells are used for conditions like joint pain, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative disorders to support tissue repair and recovery.
How do stem cells work for knee pain?
Injected stem cells target the root cause of knee pain by repairing damaged tissue. Stem cells also release anti-inflammatory molecules, which reduce swelling and chronic pain while creating a better healing environment.
What are the knee conditions treated with stem cell therapy?
Stem cell injections are effective for various knee issues, including:
- osteoarthritis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- meniscus tears;
- ligament injuries;
- tendon tears;
- cartilage damage.
How do doctors administer stem cell therapy?
For maximum benefit, stem cells are processed and concentrated after extraction. Doctors then inject the concentrated stem cell sample directly into the knee joint. This medical procedure is quick and virtually painless.
How effective are stem cells for knees?
Research shows that 79.3% of patients experience pain relief and improved function after a stem cell knee injection. This therapy is particularly effective in early to moderate stages of knee degeneration, with clinical studies showing positive outcomes even after a single injection.
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Where do doctors get stem cells for knees?
Doctors can retrieve stem cells from the patient’s body (autologous) or from donor tissue through a stem cell bank (allogeneic).
The most popular types of mesenchymal stem cells used for knee treatments are:
- Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are adult stem cells harvested from bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue inside bones.
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are adult stem cells derived from the fat tissue.
- Umbilical cord stem cells (UC-MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells collected from donated umbilical cords.
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Stem cell therapy is a safe treatment, with only minor risks like temporary swelling or discomfort at the injection site. Proper sterilization and the use of regulated clinics, such as those available through Bookimed, ensure the safety of the stem cell procedure.
Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?
Unfortunately, stem cell therapy for knees is usually not covered by insurance, as it is still considered experimental and has yet to be approved by the FDA. However, coverage may expand as more research confirms its effectiveness.
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- American College of Rheumatology. (2024). Joint Replacement Surgery. https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery
- Stem Cells and Development. (2024). Clinical Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of a Central Current Good Manufacturing Practices Laboratory Produced Autologous Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Therapy Product for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11036882/
- Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics. (2023). Stem cells for the treatment of early to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10560289/
- Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. (2022). Umbilical Cord–Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9289921/
- Stanford Medicine. (2020). Researchers find method to regrow cartilage in the joints. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/08/Researchers-find-method-to-regrow-cartilage-in-the-joints.html