1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

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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winning | @winning | Feb 4, 2018
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@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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If your writing about regenexx,look them up on the web. Good web site, shows you were their offices are located. I know one of my Drs teaches there once ina while.

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talan | @talan | Feb 4, 2018
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@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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My left knee was bone on bone and very painful. Sometimes I could not walk at all. My stem cell procedure was done last April and so far so good. The Baker's cyst on the back of the leg still comes and goes but we knew it would likely not fix that. I just don't think I would go to one of the clinics that advertise and promote. Sorry for the late reply but we spent all of Dec in Southwest Asia (lots of walking) and I am just now getting caught up.

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bernese53 | @bernese53 | Feb 4, 2018
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@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 did you have the stem cell procedure done?

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@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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i had my stem cells from Dr Kruse in Toledo, ohio, 419-578-7515

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grandmaR | @grandmar | Feb 7, 2018

I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida and have looked into where it could be done. Problem is, my insurance does not cover this because it is considered experimental. The costs can be VERY high, depending on what exactly you would need to meet your issues.
Has anyone priced this process out?

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3 replies
win sturgeon | @cobweb | Feb 7, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida..." + (show)
@grandmar

I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida and have looked into where it could be done. Problem is, my insurance does not cover this because it is considered experimental. The costs can be VERY high, depending on what exactly you would need to meet your issues.
Has anyone priced this process out?

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my experience shows it varies by location. Mine was $7000 for knee, $1000 for the back. Would do it again.

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grandmaR | @grandmar | Feb 7, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida..." + (show)
@grandmar

I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida and have looked into where it could be done. Problem is, my insurance does not cover this because it is considered experimental. The costs can be VERY high, depending on what exactly you would need to meet your issues.
Has anyone priced this process out?

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Wow! that is great! I know the costs vary from location. They actually vary from office to office.
How did you find your facility? The only research I have found on specific facilities comes from the facility themselves.
Would you be able to tell me a little about the process for your back? What happens? How long should it last??
Thanks for sharing,
ronnie

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | Feb 7, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida..." + (show)
@grandmar

I have read so much about stem cells for pain in general. I live in Florida and have looked into where it could be done. Problem is, my insurance does not cover this because it is considered experimental. The costs can be VERY high, depending on what exactly you would need to meet your issues.
Has anyone priced this process out?

Jump to this post

I talked with others that had knee done from Toledo office. Dr is also U of Toledo sports dr. I look at regenexx web site ad they have offices around the country. Read their research on others that was very detailed. Watched the Mayo Clinic web on stem cells for arthritis.
The back was pretty simple. The first day they draw blood out of the arm. The second day they inject the stem cells in the back. Go home, relax, lay around, walk, 4 week later back on the golf course. I do stretching exercises every am . Otherwise i feel it would fail.

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swedishgirl | @swedishgirl | Mar 6, 2018

have newly developed left knee pain...have had right knee replacement and both hips, but would like to know if I am candiadte for stem cell regeneration of this knee. I continue a fairly active calendar with family, friends. Don't want to miss some upcoming family events in May and wondering if, besides avoiding the pain of knee replacement, if the recovery time is shorter from stem cell.

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1 reply
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Mar 6, 2018
In reply to @swedishgirl "have newly developed left knee pain...have had right knee replacement and both hips, but would like..." + (show)
@swedishgirl

have newly developed left knee pain...have had right knee replacement and both hips, but would like to know if I am candiadte for stem cell regeneration of this knee. I continue a fairly active calendar with family, friends. Don't want to miss some upcoming family events in May and wondering if, besides avoiding the pain of knee replacement, if the recovery time is shorter from stem cell.

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Hello @swedishgirl, welcome to Connect. Thank you for your post about stem cell treatments for knees. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion on stem cell treatment for knees. If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY. By doing so, you will be brought to the full discussion and I think it would be worth your time reading through some of the posts and to introduce yourself to other members wherever you feel comfortable. Here is some additional information from Mayo Clinic:

Regenerative Medicine Consult Service Process
Transplant Call-in Center
844-276-2003

What to expect when you call the number:
– An employee will answer and ask the nature of why you are calling
– Say you are interested to stem cells for osteoarthritis or whichever joint ails you
– The employee will funnel your call to the appropriate coordinators from there
– For joint issues, you will be transferred to PMR (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
– Appointment coordinators will ask more specific questions (inclusion and exclusion criteria)

If you meet the criteria:
– You will be asked to send in your records and a doctor will look at it in a case-by-case basis

Important Notes to be Aware of:
– PMR is a busy practice, so wait times may exist but answers will be given
– If a treatment exists in the clinic for a diagnosis (i.e. Leukemia) stem cells are not offered
– Price is out of pocket
– Types of stem cell treatments offered are Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections and Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. You can find more specific information on these types of injections here, http://mayocl.in/2AUIoAn.

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