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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees
I am a 77 year old woman with arthritic knees where it's difficult for me to walk and I'm trying to avoid knee replacement. I have done the Synvisc injections and physical therapy-- to no avail. Is there anyone here who has had stem cell therapy for arthritic knees and I would like to know your outcome. I know there are two, one where bone marrow is removed and the other where they take fat from the abdomen and regenerate and inject into the knees. I would like to know the cost and how long the procedure takes and any other information which would be helpful to me. I live in North Jersey and am currently looking for clinics in my area who perform this procedure. I appreciate your help.
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@bustedthumb66
OUCH!!!
@winning
Thanks for this info. Can you share where you went for this procedure and an idea of the cost. Thanks
I was told that anything I did was a 50/50 chance because my left knee is bone on bone to where there is no space at all so any injection would basically just go around and maybe seep in some. My right had a TKR 3 years ago and since 1.5 giving me issues but they say my left is shot....however this time no staples and robotic which talking to others say is amazing. Praying for the best.
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2 ReactionsHi Cindy,
Whatever you decide to do, I truly hope your get pain relief.
I had a few questions
1) You mention having a TKR on your right knee three years ago, and that it is giving you issues. What problems are you having now that the knee has been replaced?
2) You mention your left knee is bone on bone. Both of my knees were in the same condition and I had them both replaced, 4 months apart, in 2022 at age 67. My surgeon used the Stryker/Mako robotic cutting arm and the results were great. Are you considering the same type of surgery?
Joint pain from arthritis is eventually very painful. In addition to my knees, I had my right hip replaced in March 2025. and had my left shoulder replaced two months ago. In all cases, the surgery eliminated the persistent and disruptive pain.
I wish you all the best Cindy.
Joe
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2 Reactions@heyjoe415 I am having robotic but not sure what kind and I'll have to ask but my right knee was not done robotically. At about a year and a half I started having issues with my right knee and quad muscle. Now I have Patellar Tendonitis I believe in the right. Same with my back. I always thought it was due to my cholesterol med. For the last year my walking steadiness has been very low on my Apple Watch. I finally went to a different surgeon and he commented my left knee is bone on bone and way worse than my right knee ever was. I'm scheduled for October 27 unless I can get it move earlier. No staples this time either (had 26 last time).
@heyjoe415 Just read this from the hospital website. ROSA Knee System: The ROSA system assists surgeons by using robotic technology and specialized software to enhance precision and personalize the procedure.
CORI Surgical System: The CORI system, another robotic-assisted technology, uses a 3D model of the patient's knee to help the surgeon with optimal implant placement.
Surgeon-controlled: It's important to remember that these systems are tools controlled by the surgeon, not autonomous robots. The technology provides enhanced precision but is still directed by a skilled surgeon.
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1 Reaction@cindymattern
Hello, firstly good luck with your next knee replacement. I imagine it's a difficult but necessary decision especially after a difficult first knee replacement. I am 1.5 yrs post left tkr. So many issues still...swelling, stiffness, giving out occasionally, clicking, difficulty descending steps...
Did you gave any of those and gave they resolved?
In reply to @cindymattern "I was told that anything I did was a 50/50 chance because my left knee is..." + (show).. .. I copied another reply starter, new, don't know how to do start header for a reply.
If your TKR is still swollen for soooo long, suggest you read the threads about TKR nickle [and other metals] allergies. I am looking at all the options myself for Left TKR. I am 82 y/o lady not yet bone on bone, without family to support me. My MD friend told me to get it done and not wait until I was 92 or 102 as the anesthesia is harder on our brains, the more senior we get.
I had a trip to 3 months of PAIN from hell with hyaluronic acid shots [non animal]. The Synvisc hyaluronic acid shots [have animal ingredients] that you used are not for bone on bone. They just make the medics richer.
BTW, your 'I'm trying to avoid knee replacement' is probably impossible! You will just be older, broker, and less fit by the time you do TKR 5 or 10 years down the road!
I have been to 4 surgeons. They don't want to do robotic surgery on 82 y/o bones with osteopedia. I have found patients from different surgeons and that is helping me decide. Only one surgeon in Orlando, FL does lateral [go in from side] surgery so the scar is on the side and less important things are cut!
I have an offer of $3,200 for stem cells from umbilical cords etc. My Chiropractic Dr says they are more active with better stem cells than your own which are of course, older. Research says your own stem cells are safer. My research says stem cells are also NOT for bone on bone and will eventually lead to a TKR.
Difficult decision, like a crap shoot! LOL! Good luck, Wish me good luck, too!
@robcfl I am 67 and way overweight and worked construction all my life. We worked very hard most the time and it kept me employed most of the time also. My doctor is bigger than me but no knee pain at all and he says mine is mostly from the hard work. I got my own stem cells for both knees and the extraction site on my hip hurt bad for three weeks ( 8-9 ) pain level but kept working anyways while it healed. For about the last 8 years I haven’t been able to mow the front or back yard in one go, having to take breaks to let the pain subside a bit before mowing again. The last couple of months I haven’t been able to do the front or back yards in one go and just last week I mowed both front and back in one go. I still have pain ( 5-6 ) but my knees do feel better. I had the stem cell shots in the middle of April. Follow the instructions for heat/cold applications to the letter on the extraction site and rest while you recover if possible!!!!
Hi Cindy,
I'm glad to hear you're getting TKR surgery. Oct 27th will come fast! Just follow the rehab instructions to the letter, everyday, and I think you'll be happy.
Most companies that manufacture prosthesis - Stryker/Mako, Zimmer Biomet - are using robotic assistants. You can ask your surgeon which vendor he uses if you want, but they're all good. Both of mine were done with the Stryker/Mako assistant and came out great.
You also mention patellar tendinitis, and this will be addressed in the TKR I believe. A small incision is made into the quad muscle above the knee, and this allows the patella to be moved to the side so work on the femur and tibia can be done, and then the patella is smoothed and cleaned up and a piece of polyethylene is placed on the back. This is the same material to replace the missing menisci. So after surgery, there is metal moving against plastic, never metal on metal.
I hope you get the relief I got after TKR. I wish you all the best!
(One last bit of advise - the days immediately after the surgery are hard, and the surgeon wants you to do something everyday that involves moving knee - you'll also work with professional PTs probably twice a week. The knee is very stiff, but this eases with time, so please be patient. I comforted myself a bit by knowing that my worst day in rehab was better than my best day before surgery. Rehab hurts a bit, but never more than the knee does before surgery.)
Joe