Stem Cell Treatment for Meniscus Tear: Restoring Knee Health

The medial and lateral menisci are the fibrocartilaginous tissues in the knee joint that cover the ends of the long bones in the leg. The meniscus acts as a cushion for the bones and helps to absorb shock and distribute weight. 

Injuries to the meniscus are common, especially in young, active individuals, such as athletes and those serving in the military, etc. An estimate states that 61 people per 100,000 in the US sustain meniscal injuries, which can range from minor tears to severe damage.

Stem Cells in Meniscus Repair

Treatment options for a meniscus tear vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Usually, both nonsurgical and surgical approaches require lengthy treatment and recovery periods. One of the alternative options for the patients is stem cell for meniscus tear treatment. 

Types of Stem Cells Used for Meniscus Tear Treatment

Stem cell injection for meniscus tear therapy can employ cells from different sources to harness their power of regeneration and regrowth. The most common sources are:

• Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
  
  This stem cell source has been studied the most. Using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for meniscus tear repair employs various methods. However, research indicates that direct intra-articular BMSC injection yields favorable results for meniscus repair, particularly in the avascular zone.
  
• Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells
  
  SMSCs are obtained from the synovium—the membrane that lines the inner surface of the joint capsule of the knee. These stem cells have shown promise in promoting meniscus healing and regeneration, as they are more prevalent in the vicinity of knee injuries. They are one of the most recommended treatments for meniscal injuries.
  
• Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
  
  Stem cells are taken out of the adipose tissue surrounding the belly through liposuction. This method of isolating stem cells is simple. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) play a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to their potential for tissue repair and regeneration.
  
• Meniscal Mesenchymal Stem Cells
  
  According to a study, meniscal tears can be treated using meniscus-derived stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) since they have universal stem cell-like properties. Further studies are done to determine whether these cells are effective for treatment.

Mechanisms of Stem Cell-Induced Meniscus Regeneration

These are the key possible mechanisms for inducing meniscus regeneration through stem cells:

1. Following transplantation, the stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and fibrous material. This may gradually repair the damaged meniscus.
2. Stem cells also act as progenitor cells. When the meniscus gets damaged, these progenitor cells can be moved to the injury site to aid in healing. For meniscal development, these stem cells thus serve as a mother source. 
3. Stem cells help with meniscal healing by releasing cytokines. However, we still don’t fully understand which cytokines are involved and how they affect signaling pathways.

Comparing Stem Cell Therapy to Traditional Treatments

The initial line of treatment for meniscal injuries is conservative care. Usually, nonsurgical treatments include the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation; pain relief medications; and physical therapy.

If these don’t work, surgical options may be considered. They include meniscal repair or meniscectomy, depending on the type and location of the tear.

Surgery is a challenging choice with a drawn-out recovery period. Furthermore, co-morbidities prevent surgery from being an option for everyone. A different option that holds promise is using stem cells. According to a meta-analysis of 28 trials, meniscal damage can be relieved by stem cell therapy.

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Stem Cell Treatments for Meniscus Tears

Typically, the entire procedure with stem cells for torn meniscus takes less than an hour. However, unlike other clinics, at Swiss Medica, we do not discharge patients on the same day. After the procedure, we observe the patient for at least a day or more, when necessary.

Preparing for Stem Cell Meniscus Repair Procedures

Before going ahead with the stem cell meniscus repair procedure, the physician first evaluates the suitability of this method and the patient’s health.

• Basic blood tests may be necessary. 
• The patient is informed about the stem cell for arthritis procedure and what to expect during recovery. Stem cell meniscus repair cost and other related details are also discussed during this phase. At Swiss Medica, one can expect convenient prices ranging from 7,000 to 25,000 euros, depending on the exact procedures and subsequent aftercare.

The Stem Cell Injection Process: What to Expect

The stem cell injection process involves several key steps.

• It begins with the extraction of healthy cells from the patient’s adipose (fat) tissue. If the patient’s own cells are not suitable for this procedure, we inject the joint with donor cells derived from the placenta and umbilical cord tissue. Additionally, we administer donor exosomes into the joint.
• The cells are then processed to make it ready for injection. This includes the centrifugation process, which isolates stem cells and removes unwanted components. This allows for the collection of a purer sample of stem cells for therapy. 
• The concentrated form is then injected into the knee. 
• The release of stem cells triggers the body’s natural repair processes in the knee, which aid in repairing the injury.

Post-Treatment Rehabilitation and Recovery

After the stem cell for meniscus tear procedure, we monitor patients for some time. Usually, within a couple of days, they may return to daily activities.

• It’s important to avoid activities that put weight on the treated area for at least two weeks. After that, patients can start with exercises aimed at increasing their workload. Also, during this phase, regular check-ups are scheduled.
• To avoid affecting the healing process, patients should refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for a while. 
• Pain relief usually begins within 2–12 weeks.
• After 4–6 weeks, patients can resume normal activities.

Benefits and Outcomes of Stem Cell Meniscus Repair

For many patients, stem cell treatment for knee meniscus repair leads to pain improvement and reduced discomfort. Various narratives have illustrated the advantages of this therapy. 

Improved Knee Function and Pain Relief

In a first in-human study, researchers demonstrated that combining surgical repair with synovial MSC transplantation helped improve symptoms in patients with a complex degenerative tear of the inner knee cartilage. MRI tests were also used to confirm it.

Long-Term Benefits and Sustainability

A big problem with meniscectomy is that it can lead to arthritis sooner. So, doctors are looking for better ways to treat people with ongoing knee pain from a damaged meniscus, without surgery. Using stem cells for knee meniscus tear shows promising potential in regenerative medicine and orthopedics.

Further studies have demonstrated that using MSCs, particularly ASCs derived from adipose tissue, has potential regenerative effects to repair damaged meniscus tissue in an adult human knee.

After two years following mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, the scores in the Lysholm knee score for pain relief and everyday activity increased dramatically.

Patient Success Stories and Testimonials

Swiss Medica has countless success stories to share from our stem cell therapy treatments, coming from all corners of the globe. 

Reflecting on the experience, an athlete who underwent knee stem cell treatment commented:
“I noticed a remarkable 30-35% improvement within three months of the treatment. My knees started feeling better within just three days of the injection.”

Current Trends in Stem Cell Research for Meniscus Regeneration

The field of stem cell research is one that is constantly developing, with new approaches and strategies emerging regularly. Among these advancements, stem-cell treatment is now being applied to address avascular injuries and complex degenerative meniscal disorders. 

Is Stem Cell Meniscus Repair Right for You?

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess whether stem cell meniscus repair is appropriate for your specific situation.

At Swiss Medica, we can provide personalized guidance for your stem cell treatment based on your medical history and condition. If there are any contraindications for using​​ ​​MMCSs derived from the patient’s own adipose tissue or bone marrow, we opt for allogeneic (donor) cell products.

These cells come from healthy donor tissues and offer greater therapeutic potential. It’s worth noting that the properties of these cells remain consistent whether they come from the patient or a donor.

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Get a free online consultation to learn about the expected results of stem cell therapy for your case, what is the cost of the treatment, and its duration.

Dr. Svetlana

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

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Anna Nadiryan Author

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