What are stem cells, and why are they so valuable?
Stem cells are the body’s "building blocks" or "master cells." The properties that make them unique are:
- Self-renewal. They can divide and create more identical stem cells over time, replenishing damaged and dying cells.
- Differentiation. They can transform into other specialized cells, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle cells.
When used in treatments, they can directly target areas of injury or degeneration, such as the knee, and help regenerate damaged tissue.
▶️ Learn more in Bookimed's exclusive interview with Dr. Isabella Bernschina, regenerative medicine specialist at Medical Center Juventa:
What is stem cell therapy for knees, and how does it work?
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Stem cell therapy for knees is a breakthrough treatment in regenerative medicine that taps into the body's natural ability to heal itself. Knee joints endure significant wear and tear, especially for people with active lifestyles or conditions like arthritis. Traditional treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, often focus on symptom management rather than healing.
Stem cell therapy offers a different approach by addressing the root cause of the problem—damaged tissue. Introducing new, healthy stem cells to the knee joint activates the body’s natural repair system, leading to:
- reduced inflammation;
- cartilage regeneration;
- tissue repair.
What is the best stem cell treatment for knees?
The most common stem cell types used in knee treatments are:
- Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — adult stem cells are usually sourced from adipose (fat) tissue or bone marrow.
- Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells (UC-MSCs) — harvested from donated umbilical cord blood and tissue.
🥇 Recent studies indicate that umbilical cord stem cells and adult stem cells from the patient’s fat tissue are the most effective for knee treatments. They offer the most significant long-term pain relief compared to other stem cell types.
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What knee conditions can be treated with stem cell injections?
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Stem cell injections for the knee can treat conditions involving tissue damage, inflammation, and degeneration:
- Osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative condition where joint cartilage breaks down over time, often leading to knee and hip pain. Stem cell injections are a minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement surgery. 79.3% of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis report a noticeable improvement in chronic knee pain and function after treatment.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Stem cell therapy reduces inflammation, improves joint function, and enhances the overall health of RA patients, with sustained benefits observed 3 years post-treatment.
- Meniscus tears. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thighbone and shinbone. Tears to the meniscus, often caused by sports injuries or aging, can lead to pain and limited mobility. Stem cells can grow into healthy tissue and speed up recovery.
- Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL). Ligament injuries are common in athletes and can take months to heal. Stem cell injections help regenerate ligament tissue, reducing recovery time and improving joint stability.
- Tendinitis and tendon tears. Stem cell therapy reduces inflammation and stimulates tendon repair.
- Cartilage damage. Stem cells can differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells), helping repair cartilage damage resulting from knee injury or degeneration.
- Bursitis. Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, can lead to bursitis. Stem cell injections can help reduce this inflammation and support the repair of surrounding tissues.
💪 Learn how stem cell therapy helped a professional motocross racer recover from sports injuries and arthritis:
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Yes, stem cell therapy is safe, as confirmed by multiple meta-analyses and reviews. Here are just a few examples:
- A meta-analysis published in Medicine concluded that stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis markedly reduces pain without inducing side effects, making it a superior treatment option compared to traditional methods.
- A comprehensive analysis from the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics confirmed that a single injection of mesenchyme cells (MSCs) is safe, reliable, and effective for treating grade I—III knee osteoarthritis.
- A review from the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that in all the 16 analyzed studies, stem cells helped safely alleviate knee joint pain without causing complications.
How much do stem cell knee injections cost?
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Stem cell knee injections typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000, though prices can range from $1,200 to $12,000 globally.
🔖 By choosing a destination in the Middle East or Mexico for stem cell knee injections, you can save up to 75-85% compared to the U.S.
In the table below, you can compare the costs for knee stem cell injections across some of the most popular destinations:
|
Country
|
Knee Stem Cell Therapy Cost
|
|
United States
|
$5,000 - $12,000 (per knee)
|
|
Mexico
|
$2,000 - $4,000
|
|
Turkey
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$3,000 - $5,500
|
|
Israel
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$4,000 - $6,000
|
|
Switzerland
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$5,000 - $11,000
|
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Colombia
|
$5,000 - $9,000
|
Higher costs in regions like Europe and the U.S. reflect advanced technology and strict regulations. At the same time, more affordable options in Mexico and Turkey stem from lower operational expenses and booming medical tourism.
🏃 Hear about a patient's experience at Reju Medical Clinic, where he successfully treated knee pain with stem cells:
How are stem cells derived and used?
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Stem cells can have two primary sources: your own cells (autologous) or donor cells from a stem cell bank (allogeneic). Here’s how the process works:
👉 Step 1: Extraction of stem cells
- Autologous. The procedure begins with a doctor extracting stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow (typically the pelvic bone) or fat tissue.
- Allogeneic. Alternatively, stem cells can be sourced from a stem cell bank, typically from a healthy donor’s umbilical cord blood and tissue. Doctors carefully pre-screen and test the donor cells to ensure they are safe and suitable for treatment.
👉 Step 2: Concentration of stem cells
The collected stem cells are processed and concentrated into a potent solution. This ensures a higher number of regenerative cells are available for injection.
👉 Step 3: Injection into the knee
The concentrated stem cell sample is injected directly into the knee joint, targeting the injured area. This quick and virtually painless procedure can be completed in less than one hour.
👉 Step 4: Tissue regeneration and healing
The injected stem cells locate areas of damaged tissue, releasing growth factors to stimulate the body’s natural repair system.
How to prepare for stem cell treatment?
The preparation process before stem cell treatment is easy and straightforward:
- discuss your medical history with the doctor;
- follow pre-treatment instructions, like avoiding certain anti-inflammatory drugs, before the procedure;
- stay hydrated and eat a balanced meal.
What is the recovery process like after a stem cell procedure?
The healing process after stem cell therapy is quick and minimally disruptive. Most patients can resume light activities within 24-48 hours. However, doctors advise to postpone strenuous activities and sports for the first 2-6 weeks.
How long does it take to see results after stem cell injections, and how long do they last?
Patients begin to notice improvements in pain and mobility within a few weeks after the injection. However, the full effects of the treatment can take around 3 months to manifest themselves.
Studies suggest that the benefits can last up to 2-3 years, though this varies depending on the treated condition. Further research is ongoing to assess the long-term effects beyond these timeframes.
👉 Note that additional treatments may be necessary over time to maintain the results.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with knee stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy for knees is a low-risk procedure. However, like any medical procedure, it can have some side effects you should be aware of.
In a systematic review of 12 studies, only 3 reported minimal complications, which included:
- knee weakness;
- pain at the injection site;
- minor bleeding during the extraction of stem cells;
- mild redness or swelling.
At Bookimed, we work exclusively with verified clinics and doctors to minimize the risks associated with treatment.
How can I find the best stem cell therapy for knees near me?
There are excellent options worldwide, depending on your location and preferences.
- If you’re in North America, consider Mexico or Colombia, where top-notch care is available at more affordable prices.
- In Europe, Switzerland offers advanced regenerative treatments from world-renowned experts.
- The Middle East has excellent options in Turkey and Israel, known for their medical facilities and expert care.
- In Asia, Thailand is a popular destination for affordable, effective regenerative medicine treatments.
However, your main priority should be finding an experienced doctor and a reputable stem cell center. Check out the all-inclusive packages from our partner clinics, choose the one that resonates with you, and we’ll handle all the logistics. From coordinating your appointments to helping arrange travel, Bookimed guarantees a seamless experience, so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.
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Resources
- 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/
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy. (2022). Meniscus repair: up-to-date advances in stem cell-based therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9109379/
- Regenerative Therapy. (2021). A review and update for registered clinical studies of stem cells for non-tumorous and non-hematological diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8446785/
- Medicine. (2020). Clinical efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220405/
- 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/
- Journal of Orthopaedic Research. (2023). Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jor.25724