Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees

Posted by tropicallady1276 @tropicallady1276, May 10, 2017

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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@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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It was all included in the stem cell procedure for $4700. Knee and shoulder (will do 2 joints at same time) stem cell procedure with 4 PRP shots in each to help the stem cells. Dr. McClish has been doing this for over 4 years with great success.

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@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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WHERE are u located.? Seems like a good deal.
Dr. ? McClish

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@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

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It is $7,000. Sounds expensive but few options. Drilling in hip was not painful. I read a lot of replies. Some say stem cells did not work. My TKR was painful and the rehab was painful, and now three years later I still have pain so another TKR was not an option at this time. I have friends who have problems with TKR and those who have pain after years of rehab. Why? Wish I knew. I do know this, I can garden, and get on my one good knee but not the TKR knee. I bike and play golf. TKR knee causes me pain.
stem cells was worth while for me. Been two years. Will wait and see how long it last. I have been told I can get a booster shot if needed.

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@tropicallady1276

Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"-- I am going next week. I do not plan having it done with them but I want to see what they have to say and see if I can learn anything. I'm trying to find a reputable doctor in North Jersey with good reviews and even see if I can speak with one of their patients. I'm going to check Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Thanks, again.

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Please let us know if you find a good doctor. I am very interested in this type of therapy for my back and knee. I live in NJ and Florida so any one with feedback much appreciated.
Pgannon

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@tropicallady1276

Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"-- I am going next week. I do not plan having it done with them but I want to see what they have to say and see if I can learn anything. I'm trying to find a reputable doctor in North Jersey with good reviews and even see if I can speak with one of their patients. I'm going to check Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Thanks, again.

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Beware of many quacks in this area.

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@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

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Go back and read some of my comments. My stem cell procedure has worked well and cost $4700, including my shoulder as well as my knee. 4 PRP shots included. Do stick with an orthopedic surgeon with lots of experience. If no one near you, go to Mayo or come to Reno!

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I'm from Brazil and it will take a longer time for Stem Cell Teraphy to get here. I have hip Osteoarthritis that's still in level 1 and I'm doing everything possible to prevent it from advancing. I'm hoping that this teraphy will soon have the backing of FDA and the medical community. Anyway it make me feel hopeful to read these posts and see that people are benefitting from this treatment.

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@tish123

I'm from Brazil and it will take a longer time for Stem Cell Teraphy to get here. I have hip Osteoarthritis that's still in level 1 and I'm doing everything possible to prevent it from advancing. I'm hoping that this teraphy will soon have the backing of FDA and the medical community. Anyway it make me feel hopeful to read these posts and see that people are benefitting from this treatment.

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So glad you joined the group and are finding our discussions beneficial. One of my best friends is Brazilian and lives in Brasilia. We have a friend in Sao Paulo we call our "adopted" daughter. I have traveled there extensively. Please contact me if you want to discuss my experiences with stem cells privately. I know they do not seem to help rheumatoid but have been known to help Osteo.

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@tish123

I'm from Brazil and it will take a longer time for Stem Cell Teraphy to get here. I have hip Osteoarthritis that's still in level 1 and I'm doing everything possible to prevent it from advancing. I'm hoping that this teraphy will soon have the backing of FDA and the medical community. Anyway it make me feel hopeful to read these posts and see that people are benefitting from this treatment.

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Hello @talan, you may have noticed I removed your email from the above post. We do this to protect you from receiving any unwanted emails or spam. We certainly do not discourage our members from sharing personal information and connecting in other ways than here on Connect, we just encourage you to do so via the private message function. Using private messaging will ensure that your personal information is only shared with the specific members you want to communicate with. Let me know if you have more questions or need help using this function.

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@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @tropicallady1276, and welcome to Connect.

I would like to invite @winning, @lynettegable, and @talan to this discussion to share their thoughts and experiences with stem cell treatments for knees.

@tropicallady1276, Has stem cell treatment been recommended to you as an option by your current medical provider?

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Did u have PRP?
Was there any recovery time?
how much improvement?
r u under 70?
What reason for back?

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