Does stem cell treatment work for osteoarthritis
                     Does stem cell treatment work for 
osteoarthritis? What do you need to know?
• Currently, researchers consider stem cells as the possible answer to many medical conditions, 
especially osteoarthritis. 
• Their hope is that stem cell treatment can stop the progression caused by an ailment by repairing 
it. However, more research studies are ongoing to determine how stem cell therapy can be more 
effective and advanced to current protocols. 
• Are you wondering what makes stem cell therapy so unique? Let’s read on.
How does stem cell therapy work?
• Stem cell treatment uses the patient’s own cells to help restore the damaged tissues of your hip or 
knee joint. 
• Unlike other treatments, stem cell therapy treats the underlying cause of knee pain and other joint 
pain. Hence, this therapy can reduce joint pain, increase movement, increase flexibility, speed up 
regeneration, improve blood flow, and treat ligament or tendon tears for a prolonged duration. 
• Adult stem cell therapy is non-invasive and safe. Studies recommend that its side effects are very 
minimal with no adverse effects.
What are the stem cells used for knee osteoarthritis treatment?
• Mesenchymal stem cells are used as they have the potential to differentiate into various types of 
cells. 
• These mesenchymal stem cells can be administered as BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) 
and SVF (stromal vascular fraction).
How are BMAC and SVF collected?
• BMAC
• BMAC is collected as an aspirate from the bone marrow. This procedure is performed on the iliac 
crest under local anaesthesia. At the same time, this aspirate is concentrated with the help of a 
centrifuge to get the concentrate rich in beneficiary proteins. That’s bone marrow aspirate 
concentrate.
• SVF
• SVF collection involves the following steps:
• Collection of adipose (fat) tissue using liposuction procedure. The resultant is called lipoaspirate.
• Then centrifuged to separate and isolate the adipose-derived stem cells from blood and oil.
• Followed by a breakdown of fat by micronising the sample.
• And the resultant SVF product can be readily injected into the affected joint area.
What happens during the BMAC or SVF procedure?
• At first, a local anaesthetic is applied to the knee joint to numb any pain from the injection. Next, 
BMAC or SVF is injected intraarticular under ultrasound guidance for precision. Sterile dressings are 
applied to the affected area for up to three days to keep the injection area clean and prevent 
infection. Oral NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should be avoided for four to six 
weeks before and after stem cell therapy as these negatively impact the healing process. However, 
always discuss with your doctor before stopping any medication!
How long does stem cell treatment last? What should you expect?
• The effect of stem cell treatment for every joint region such as shoulder, knee, hip or ankle and 
foot fluctuates according to the severity and extent.
• However, several co-morbidities like kidney and heart issues, diabetes, body inflammation can also 
affect its success rate.
• Several research studies revealed that stem cell therapy had reported a long-lasting result 
anywhere between six months to a few years.
• The treatment can last up to 7 years or more depending on physiotherapy rehabilitation, active 
lifestyle, balanced diet and less stress post-treatment. 
• Although no promises can be made about the exact duration of its long-lasting effect, stem cell 
therapy showed positive effects for a prolonged duration.
Is there any research update to back up the effect of stem cell 
therapy on knee osteoarthritis?
• Yes.
• A review article published in the year 2018 supports stem cells in the treatment of knee 
osteoarthritis. 
• Stem cell therapy for knee pain appears to be very promising.
• A 2020 recent study conducted at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom recommended 
that the injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the affected knee could be 
safe, successful, and promising for cartilage repair and regeneration. 
• This repair mechanism works due to the self-renewal, immunosuppressive, and differential potential 
of stem cells, especially bone marrow-derived stem cells. 
• That’s why they bring significant improvement in your pain, functional outcomes, and overall 
quality of life. Michalek et al. 
• published another 2015 large multi-national, multi-centre study on the journal Cell Transplant, 
proving that stem cell treatment works for a longer duration for arthritis. 
What are the benefits of stem cell therapy against knee 
osteoarthritis?
• Safe procedure with very little or no side effects
• High rate of patient satisfaction
• Relief from symptoms for a prolonged duration
• Steady functional restoration
• Steady pain reduction
• Significant improvement (observed in MRI or arthroscopic studies)
• Stem cell therapy takes only around 90 minutes
• Furthermore, you require fewer post-rehabilitation sessions after undergoing stem cell treatment 
than surgery
How Medica Stem Cells Clinic stands out?
• Our Medica Stem Cells Clinic in Dublin, Cork and Mullingar in Ireland offers stem cell treatment for 
osteoarthritis and many other conditions, which could be an effective alternative for those who 
want to avoid or delay surgery. 
• If you are suffering from any joint pain, don’t think going under the knife is the only choice. There 
are a variety of treatments available.
• Research all options before deciding what suits your condition best. 
• Schedule an appointment with our medical team today to explore Regenerative treatment options. 
Our orthopaedic surgeons and medical experts will assess if you are a qualified candidate for stem 
cell therapy. 
• We are here to reconcile your concerns personally by offering the most suitable treatment option.
Read More:
• Knee pain treatment
• Hip pain treatment
• Shoulder pain treatment