Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Promising Approach

One of the most adaptable joints that experiences constant strain is the knee joint. This contributes to the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knee. The condition causes a lot of morbidity: approximately 240 out of every 100,000 individuals have osteoarthritis in their knees. This translates to approximately 15% of people over the age of 60. 

About $1400 US dollars is spent on therapy without non-operative procedures. However, people often do not receive appropriate relief despite these exorbitant costs. Stem cell for arthritis injection might provide an alternate course of treatment in this case. 

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteoarthritis

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a promising avenue in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Their unique regenerative properties offer potential solutions for managing the degenerative effects of this condition. Research efforts have intensified to explore the efficacy and safety of utilizing mesenchymal stem cells as a therapeutic intervention for osteoarthritis.

Types of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Used in Osteoarthritis Treatment

Mesenchymal stem cells can proliferate and differentiate into several tissue types. The following sources can provide mesenchymal stem cells needed for this procedure:

• Stem cells from bone marrow: these are the cells that have been studied and used most often for osteoarthritis. They come from the hip bone and can be injected into the knee to integrate into the tissue and repair broken knee joint.
• Adipose tissue stem cells: fat in the body, like that found in the knees or belly, is another place where stem cells can be found. The fat tissue is relatively simple to obtain and can be used to help knee joints that are damaged by arthritis.
• Stem cells from blood: stem cells can also be made from blood, but the output is very low. Even so, these cells can also be used to make the knee joint healthier.

Cells that help bones grow can sometimes also be taken from the pulp of teeth, muscles, and other places. Umbilical cord stem cells are another possible source, but they are used more rarely compared to other types, mainly because of ethical concerns.

Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Induced Osteoarthritis Repair

Many different mechanisms are involved in stem cell and osteoarthritis repair. A brief overview of these mechanisms is given below:

1. Anti-scarring effect: When you hurt your knee joint and the structures around it, especially the synovial membrane, repeatedly, they get stiff and damaged. A research project found that stem cells can lessen this inflammation, which in turn stops osteoarthritis.
2. Anti-apoptotic effect: Apoptosis is a type of cell death that is planned and gets worse with age. Stem cells make different anti-apoptotic substances, such as TGF-β, which stop bone loss and keep the joint stable. 
3. Angiogenic effect: Studies have shown that stem cells help regenerate blood vessels. Mesenchymal stem cells osteoarthritis treatment is therefore effective in old, worn knees.
4. Mitotic effect: One of the most important ways in which stem cell injection for osteoarthritis can help fix the knee is by replacing damaged cells in the knee joint with new ones. After being introduced, they slowly grow in the joint space and relieve the condition of the broken joint. This eases pain and makes it easier to move joints.

Comparing Stem Cell Therapies to Conventional Osteoarthritis Treatments

The way osteoarthritis is treated now is by managing pain and relieving other symptoms. But this doesn’t stop the disease from getting worse. Stem cells and knee osteoarthritis surgery are the only options for people with long-term osteoarthritis that makes them unable to work. It’s not possible for everyone to get a knee replacement. 

Regenerative medicine that uses stem cells can help in these tough cases. Stem cells can not only ease the pain and other signs of osteoarthritis, but they can also aid in repairing the damaged tissue. This makes it seem like a good choice compared with the surgery. 

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Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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Stem Cell Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

While still considered an emerging therapy, clinical studies have shown promising results in improving pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. It offers hope for those seeking alternatives to conventional treatments like corticosteroid injections or knee replacement surgery. Here are a few things one should know before engaging in stem cell therapy.

Preparing for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Procedures

Preparation for the stem cell therapy procedure does not take long.

• The doctor who is treating you looks at your symptoms and signs of illness.
• After some simple lab tests, a diagnosis is made.
• The patient is given readings that help them understand the process and what will happen after it.
• 15 days before the procedure, it’s not recommended to take NSAIDs and steroids. 
• As soon as all the necessary steps have been taken, an appointment for the treatment is made, and you are ready to go.

The Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection Process: What to Expect

• At SwissMedica, we make sure that this process goes as quickly, painlessly, and without any problems as possible – however, we don’t compromise on speed over quality.
• Our staff will greet you when you get here on the day of your treatment and take you to the procedure room. 
• A health worker looks at you and gives you any help you need.
• Local sedation can sometimes be used for this, and most people don’t feel any pain.
• Stem cells are taken from the source area to start the process.
• After that, the stem cells are run into a machine and finally injected into the knee joint. 
• Usually, the process will take 3-9 days, depending on the difficulty of the case. In some instances, patients will be able to go home the same day.
• People are often given drugs to put on the skin or swallow if there is any pain.

Post-Treatment Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation after treatment generally doesn’t take long. In the beginning, the goal is to prevent the joint from hurting. Later, a personalized facility for healing and rehabilitation is given, or you can choose to stay at home. These steps will be easy for you because we will be with you and help you through them. In a study, people with osteoarthritis started to feel better as early as 6 months.

Benefits and Outcomes of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

Let’s explore some of the reasons why patients should choose Stem Cell treatment.

Improved knee function and pain relief.

Several studies have been done to look at how well knees work and how much pain they feel after a stem cell donation for knee osteoarthritis. According to this study, stem cell treatment makes pain levels better and makes it easier to move joints.

Long-Term benefits and sustainability.

The benefits of stem cell injections for osteoarthritis don’t go away quickly; they last a long time. The effects have been shown in many tests to last for at least two years.

One study also found that these patients are still better after 5 years than people who didn’t get any therapy.

Patient Success Stories and Testimonials

Swissmedica has been giving all of its stem cell treatment patients good services. One of the people who got treatment for osteoarthritis says 

“There is no pain. The procedure is straightforward…. It was like an hour, and I was awake during the procedure. It was a friendly environment. Hopefully, everything is going to be fine.” 

Roger from the United Kingdom, who booked for knee replacement, learnt about stem cell treatment and opted for it, says “My knees are already a lot better. I am just very grateful to come here, and I thoroughly recommend it to other people”. 

The Future of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis Treatment

Stem cell injection for osteoarthritis is a field that is evolving. Now, adipose stem cells are the best choice for knee injections. Peripheral blood quality for a stem cell transplant for osteoarthritis is still being investigated by researchers. Also being investigated are induced pluripotent stem cells. Better results have also been seen when biomaterials are mixed with stem cells in recent stem cell research for osteoarthritis.

What is The Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis?

The cost of stem cell therapy can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the number of injections required, and the clinic or healthcare provider offering the treatment. Generally, patients can expect to pay anywhere from 7,000 to 25,000 EUR for stem cell therapy for conditions like knee osteoarthritis.

However, it’s important to note that this estimate is just a rough approximation, and the actual cost may differ based on the individual’s specific case and treatment plan. For precise pricing information and personalized recommendations tailored to your needs, it’s advisable to consult with one of our experienced professionals, who can provide detailed insights and guidance regarding stem cell therapy options.

Is Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Right for Knee Osteoarthritis?

Stem cell knee osteoarthritis therapy is considered a safe and complication-free procedure. Before stem cell therapy can be given, the patient still needs to go through a proper evaluation and treatment plan. For the best services, come to SwissMedica. We hope that stem cell therapy will help you feel better, just as it has helped many of our other clients.

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Dr. Svetlana

MD, Endocrinologist, Pediatrician, regenerative medicine specialist, R&D director

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Anna Nadiryan Author

Doctor Lana Reviewer