As a specialist in regenerative injection therapies for over 20 years, I have seen firsthand the impact of knee pain on my patients. It is the number one problem that I encounter, and it can greatly affect their quality of life. That's why I am excited to share with you the success rate of stem cell therapy for knees and how it can potentially change the game for those suffering from knee pain. The success rate of knee stem cell therapy varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and the type of stem cells used. However, studies have shown that 60 to 80% of patients experience pain relief and improved mobility after treatment.
While some patients report long-lasting benefits, it is important to note that results are not guaranteed. That's why it is crucial to consult with a specialist to determine if regenerative knee therapy is the right option for you. According to research, stem cell injections for knees have an impressive success rate of 98-99%. This means that out of every 100 patients who have received an intra-articular injection, at least 98 of them have benefited from it. But what about the improvement of these patients? Well, at least half of them have experienced a significant response to treatment, resulting in pain relief and avoiding surgery for years.
Another 25 to 35 patients have seen good to regular improvement, allowing them to return to sports and daily activities with minimal limitations. And even those who show a discreet to moderate benefit from the therapy have been able to stop degeneration and prevent further harm, ultimately allowing them to resume their daily activities without pain in just a few days. This is why I believe that stem cell orthopedics is an exciting new field with immense potential. One of the main reasons for the high success rate of stem cell therapy for knees is the ability of stem cells to regenerate knee joints. Unlike traditional treatments that only provide temporary relief, stem cell injections have the potential to heal and repair damaged tissues, keeping patients out of the operating room.
These stem cells have the remarkable ability to mature and differentiate into various types of cells, including those that make up bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and even the meniscus. This means that they can effectively target and repair the specific areas of damage in the knee. For some patients, stem cell injections can also be a game-changer in preventing or delaying the need for knee replacement surgery. Many patients often ask about using young stem cells from umbilical preparations, but what is more important than the age of the stem cells is their DNA compatibility with the patient's body. According to Lamo-Espinosa et al, stem cells have a paracrine function, meaning they can release substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. This contributes to pain relief and improved mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
In fact, a meta-analysis conducted on the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis showed significant pain relief at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment compared to a placebo. Another crucial factor in the success of stem cell therapy for knees is their ability to detect and respond to the microenvironment of the damaged tissue. This means that they can determine what type of cells are needed for tissue healing and what molecules are necessary for optimal results. However, it is important to note that bone marrow stem cells tend to age faster than adipose tissue stem cells, making them less effective as we get older. Unfortunately, many patients have had unsuccessful experiences with stem cell therapy because some doctors believe that simply injecting stem cells into the cartilage holes will instantly repair the knee and eliminate the bone-on-bone situation. However, this is not the case.
Just like different types of cells have specific functions in the body, stem cells also have different roles and cannot be used interchangeably. For example, red blood cells carry oxygen, muscle cells help grow and repair muscle tissue, and epithelial cells create the skin layer. Similarly, different types of stem cells have different functions and must be used accordingly for optimal results.
