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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bonlgd | @bonlgd | Nov 10, 2016

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!

winning | @winning | Nov 11, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

I had a knee replacement three years ago on the right knee. It still is swollen, and bottom line it did not work for me. In my discussions with others I would say 3 out of 10 have trouble. I swore I would not do that again. My left knee was bone on bone but I heard of stem cells. Last January I did stem cells on my knee. They use my stem cells. I was referred by a female friend who had both knees done with stem cells. The difference is I have full mobility,very little pain and I can knell on my knee in gardening etc.
next I did my back which had an L 4 L 5 rubbing on my nerve. I had an injection to stimulate the stem cells.4 weeks later, no pain, fullmobility, back playing golf,pain free. The downside is the procedure is out of pocket. I would do it again . I have friends who have had their hip injected. There is no hospital stay, I used no pain pills. I wish it was available before I did the knee replacement.

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Nov 11, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

Hello @winning, and thank you for your post about your experience with knee replacement and stem cells. I moved your discussion to a discussion that was actually started just before yours about the same topic. I moved it here because your story was a perfect match and response to @bonlgd questions about whether to do a knee replacement or stem cells for their knee.

Your story is a topic I have come across a few times in this group, so I thank you for sharing your experience with both as other members have had questions about the benefits or negatives about each procedure. Would you care to share more about your experiences with stem cell therapy with @bonlgd?

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Nov 11, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

Hello @bonlgd, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for your inquiry about stem cell treatment for knees. I brought in @winning and their discussion that was also centered around stem cell treatment vs. knee replacement.

I would also like you to meet @dongee who also had stem cell treatment in their knee and may be able to offer their experience with the treatment.

@bonlgd, what are your concerns about having a total knee replacement? I myself have also had one. The recovery was long and tough, however, in the end it has been very successful and I am going on 11 years now. How damaged is the bone structure in your knees? In my experience, even if I would have been able to regenerate some cartilage, my knee bones were so deformed from arthritis it probably would not have mattered. Have you discussed this scenario with the physician who will be performing the knee replacement?

LynetteGable | @lynettegable | Nov 13, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

I had PRP and stwm cells done on my knee last week at Mayo in Rochester. Dr Smith and his team ate awesome so now we'll see what happens

mari | @mari | Nov 15, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

I want stem cell for knee and shoulder.
Where did you get yours and how much $?
1 Dr. will do it at $2,000. WITH NO GUARANTEE as u were offered. Tell me more.

winning | @winning | Nov 15, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

My back was $1000, my knee was $7000. Dr kruse in Toledo, Ohio at wildwood hospital. Friends had two knees for extra thousand. Regenexx is who they have worked with. Very helpful people. They stay in contact with me to follow my progress. Good website to follow others.

winning | @winning | Nov 15, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

The day I had my stem cell procedure done, I notice two others who followed me and they were younger males. The drilling in the hip for the stem cells had very little pain. Blood was taken from both arms, it was mixed with the cells, three hours later the cells and blood was injected in the knee. I needed a cane to go home. The next day I had one more injection. Four weeks of relaxing, reading, tv etc and I was good to go. My knee was bone on bone. I was fitted with a neat knee brace and I do wear it when I golf, bike and garden. Not sure if I need to but it's my crutch. Having had a terrible time with total knee replacement I just use it for peace of mind. I have been told by the doctor if I feel I need a booster shot that can be done.
There are a lot of doubters out there but I ignore them. Downside is no insurance coverage. I suspect it will happen some day when you consider the cost of a total knee replacement, three days in a hospital and many trips for p/t. It was a bad time for me and my frustration was I went into the surgery in good shape. I had worked out for a year to have good strength etc. did not work out for me. I do have friends that it worked for them. If you have the finances then you must weigh your options.

agnewi | @agnewi | Nov 30, 2016

In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)

Good to know that Mayo now offers stem cell for knees. Is it only offered in Rochester or at all Mayo clinics? I am 90 years old. A year ago went through non-invasive valve replacement and 3 artery stents,all via groin at Scrips in La Jolla, CA. I work full time managing my business and exercise a great deal My knees are bone on bone and I don't want to have knee replacement. So glad to hear successful stories from other members. Have been in touch with Regenexx Maybe worth a trip to see Dr Smith. Would appreciate any suggestions.