Stem Cells versus Total Hip Replacement

Stem cell therapies for hip osteoarthritis are relatively new, have not been subjected to rigorous scientific study, and hence are not generally covered by insurance. There is also no knowledge of long-term effectiveness because the treatment is so new. If your intent is to postpone hip replacement surgery, and you can afford the treatment, it might be worth a try, especially if you are relatively young. Perhaps you can research local clinical studies of the treatment in your area and find one that will accept you.
Here is a very recent article discussing the matter: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8832617/

With other conservative methods like hyaluronic acid (HA) effects seem to fade after 6 months to one year, and as with other non-surgical interventions, there are limits to who they can be expected to help. For example, when my hips needed replacement over 15 years ago, they were already severely eroded by arthritis - both cartilage and bone surface had significant damage. So even though I was only in my 50's, conservative treatment, including steroid injections & therapy, were completely ineffective.

Are you interested in trying to find a clinical trial?
Sue

Fron the article: " In contrast, the guidelines do not support the use of hyaluronic acid (HA), while failing to provide guidance on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells (SC). The 2019 OARSI guidelines do not provide supportive or refutative evidence against CS, while they currently provide strong recommendations against the widespread use of PRP and SC due to poor quality evidence and a lack of standardized preparation methods."

For soft tissue problems in joints, including the SI joint and knee, we have had incredible results with PRP. But patients are screened first to make sure the problem is in soft tissues.

Sue,
Thank you so much. My orthopedists says the hip joint is bone on bone and I see this in the xray. I still have very little pain. But having had 5 other surgeries, incl left hip, in the last 5 years, I dread another surgery right now.
I really appreciate the information you provided.

Christine Ries

I have heard that it worked for people. I am trying to find someone it worked for so I can find out what to do to help make it work

Sue,
Do you know whether this CS therapy or other is used in the thumb joints or hand pain?
Thanks

I don't know the answer - maybe you can do some research - the most success is in minimally damaged knees at this point. I believe.
If you have osteoarthritis and your hips are bone-on-bone, most likely you have the same in your hands/thumbs. There are some hand exercises that strengthen surrounding tissue to help relieve pain, as well as heat or cold therapy, topical NSAIDS, and finally surgery.
There are some great discussions here on Connect about CMC Joint repairs including: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cmc-arthroplasty-with-stablyx-implant/?pg=3#comment-2260

Sue

PRP in thumb Bone on Bone has worked for me.

I had stem cell treatments preceded by an RFA to burn the nerves in my hip. I had it done on both hips. On the right it seemed to work, it has less damage than the left. There is still some space between the femoral head and the socket on the right. On the left it didn't work. I even had it done a second time on the left, and it didn't work. It cost $8200 for both hips but as of now, I only got $4100 worth. It is not a guarantee even though they will tell you its 99% effective.

I read all the comments above. Stem cell treatment is well understood. The problem is that the stem cells used in private practice are worthless. There are stem cells and there are stem cells. So the stem cells in medical research are an entirely different grade than what private doctors, or the snake oil salesman will sell you. That is the difference! When I had my cervical spine surgery at UCSD( now called UCHealth) I was very upset as I headed towards surgery that my other cohorts in a different state were using expensive stem cells and I was having a surgery. It was clearly explained to me that the stem cells which would be required to resolve my orthopedic situations were cost prohibitive, and they were not available to the public in any useful way. When my orthopedic surgery team at the research and teaching hospital decide that surgery is my best recourse they know what they’re doing. I have had many joint replacements (as I suffer with degenerative disc disease) and although I hate the idea of going back for another surgery, I avoid wasting my money and I’ve learned who to trust along the way. The orthopedic surgeons who do research, surgery procedures and teach the next generation of doctors— is where I will put my money. They give me my life back every time. 20 years ago I made the mistake of giving thousands of dollars to a snake oil salesman. The pain relief was great for three months, but I would’ve had to live in his office and continue to “feed the monkey” and miss getting well. Find the best orthopedic team you can find is my recommendation and work with them as a collaborator.. If you don’t trust them implicitly do your own research or get another consultation with other doctors. It’s a long thorny Road. The people I know who have done stem cell treatment, wasted their money and ended up needing surgery anyway.
About the comment about RFA (facet joint ablation) I had amazing success at reading my legs from the referred pain coming from spinal compression. It has to be diagnosed by your orthopedic surgeon or an expert pain management Doctor Who sees the nerve impingement and diagnosis where to do the work properly. There are two kinds of RFA: one is called heat and the other is called pulse. Pulse did not work for me. Heat works for me. Sometimes it had to be done twice in the same spot. I am a big believer in RFA for pain which originates in your spine which refers itself to your legs. that RFA is covered by insurance. My first RFAs gave me 15 years pain-free. When I came back to do it again I had very little success and that was an indication that my spine had compressed on the nerves, crushing gum and I needed immediate surgery. There comes a tipping point.
There are a few of us here who don’t shy away from the surgery because we know when it is legitimate and we get our lives returned to us. Aligning ourselves with good doctors is really the key. In summary, unless you’re at a good research hospital recommending stem cell treatment, avoid wasting your money.. It will empty your pocketbook and not solve your problem.