Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees

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.

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.

I got into stem cells from watching a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on the cure for arthritis. I would think it would work on your knees. Cost is a concern for many. Doing research on what doctors to use is important. Cost for me was $7,000, but I have heard some charge more and less. Good luck.

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.

Hello @packratfl, were you able to follow up with Mayo Clinic Regenerative Medicine about a stem cell treatment for your knee?

I also have advanced degenerative arthritis with bone on bone in my right knee and the left knee is not a whole lot better but it is functional. The outcome of my recent consult with ortho at Mayo was some PT for ROM stretching, strengthening, and gait training. Then if that doesn't work maybe a steroid or gel shot for the knee. My pain is not bad, probably a 2 or 3 on a scale of 10 but my mobility, balance and walking are impacted and limits pretty much everything I would like to do except watch TV ☺. I've read through the Mayo website information on the stem cell treatments - Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

I had surgery in the mid 70s for torn cartilage in my right knee and it was kind of a botched surgery in that they opened the wrong side of the knee and ended up removing the cartilage from the opposite side. Then in 2007 I had issues with my right leg - gout in the foot, swollen right knee and a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The put me on prednisone and they also aspirated and injected the right knee and it provided relief almost immediately. The PMR has gone into remission but the knee has been bothersome on and off for the past few years. I start my PT today but I'm really doubtful that it is going to do squat for fixing the knee or even making it feel better. I'm kind of looking down the road to see if either stem cell therapy or aspiration of the knee with another shot would be the better option.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or information.

John

Hello @packratfl, were you able to follow up with Mayo Clinic Regenerative Medicine about a stem cell treatment for your knee?

I also have advanced degenerative arthritis with bone on bone in my right knee and the left knee is not a whole lot better but it is functional. The outcome of my recent consult with ortho at Mayo was some PT for ROM stretching, strengthening, and gait training. Then if that doesn't work maybe a steroid or gel shot for the knee. My pain is not bad, probably a 2 or 3 on a scale of 10 but my mobility, balance and walking are impacted and limits pretty much everything I would like to do except watch TV ☺. I've read through the Mayo website information on the stem cell treatments - Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

I had surgery in the mid 70s for torn cartilage in my right knee and it was kind of a botched surgery in that they opened the wrong side of the knee and ended up removing the cartilage from the opposite side. Then in 2007 I had issues with my right leg - gout in the foot, swollen right knee and a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The put me on prednisone and they also aspirated and injected the right knee and it provided relief almost immediately. The PMR has gone into remission but the knee has been bothersome on and off for the past few years. I start my PT today but I'm really doubtful that it is going to do squat for fixing the knee or even making it feel better. I'm kind of looking down the road to see if either stem cell therapy or aspiration of the knee with another shot would be the better option.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or information.

John

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.

I was a runner when I was young and now I have no cartridge in my knees. Dr says full knee replacement!
I have had 3 DVT's (blood clots) and 2 other clots that made it to my lungs. (PE) The thought of having knee replacement surgery scares the heck out of me because of possible clots. I really don't want to die from a clot to fix my knees. What do you suggest?