Regenerate. Repair. Restore.

Stem Cells Therapy for Osteoarthritis (OA)

The goal of using stem cell therapy to treat osteoarthritis is to promote self-healing and improve the function and quality of life of the patient.

Why patients with osteoarthritis are opting for stem cell transplantation over surgery?

  • Stem cell transplantation promotes self-healing
  • Stem cell transplantation is less invasive than surgery
  • Stem cell transplantation is a more “natural” approach.
  • After stem cell transplantation patients recover more rapidly

A stem cell therapy can help patients with OA symptoms like improving range of motion, reducing inflammation, reducing stiffness, and even postponing or avoiding surgery, allowing them to participate in their favorite activities.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis arthritis occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion, wears away.

As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub more closely against each other, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and in later stages of the disease, the formation of bone spurs, and bone on bone contact. 

As the swelling, stiffness, and pain worsens you may find yourself limiting your movement, thereby worsening the problem.

Reduced movement can lead to increased muscle wasting and ligament laxity, both of which reduce the strength and stability.

Why should I consider stem cell therapy?

Conventional non-surgical treatments treat the symptoms but not the underlying disease, and they can have serious side effects if used for a long time.

Surgery is the only FDA approved treatment that can provide a long-term cure, but there can be serious surgical complications.

It can take up to a year to fully recover after surgery. After 6 weeks, you should be able to resume normal activities, although the pain and inflammation may take 3 months to 1 year to subside.

The following are some risks associated with the surgical procedure:

  • Blood clots
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Infection
  • Nerve and other tissue damage
  • Implant fracture
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Nerve damage
  • Osteolysis (your body’s reaction to the plastic or metal)
  • Bleeding and pain

How does stem cell therapy improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Stem cells aid in self-healing of the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis develops as the immune system gradually deteriorates, cartilage is damaged, bone structure is altered, and chronic synovial inflammation develops.

Mesenchymal stem cells have been found to regulate the immune system, inhibit inflammation, increase blood vessel formation, repair tissue, and stimulate cartilage self-regeneration.

The patient’s stem cells and platelet-rich plasma can be easily harvested. These stem cells are specific to the patient, ensuring that the cells will not be rejected.

The entire procedure is relatively quick, and most patients are up and walking with assistance within 24 hours.

Patients will experience minor discomfort, and most will be able to return to work in 1-2 weeks, depending on the job type. If the patient works a desk job, he or she may be able to return in a few days.

What is the treatment protocol for Osteoarthritis at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute?

Stem Cells Transplant Institute uses autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from the patient’s own adipose tissue and bone marrow for the treatment of OA.

Autologous means the stem cells are collected from the recipient so the risk of rejection is virtually eliminated.

Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cell that are found in a variety of tissues such as adipose tissue, the lung, bone marrow, and the blood.

Due to stem cell viability, in patients over the age of 65 it may be necessary to use human umbilical cord stem cells.

Our stem cells age with us. It is necessary to be able to collect a sufficient quantity of viable stem cells in order to get a positive response. You and your physician can decide if umbilical cord stem cells are the preferred option for you.

"For over a decade living with a horrible pain on both knees, and using a walking stick to even come to my boat, I tried Dr. Mesen’s stem cells treatment as a last resource. For my surprise, pain has almost gone, my knees are healing very fast, and today, I can walk on my own, enjoy my boat and really feel alive, I think my smile worth a thousand words. Thanks Dr. Mesen, thanks Stem Cells Transplant Institute"
Dominic Buttita
Chicago, USA
umbilical cord donations
Intravenus Administration

How Are the Stem Cells Collected?

Our clinic focuses on obtaining healthy stem cells exclusively from umbilical cord blood donors. We collect the placenta once the baby is born, with the parent’s informed consent. Additionally, we follow strict ethical guidelines and collect stem cells from reliable and reputable sources.

How Are the Stem Cells Administered?

Our nursing staff administers the stem cells through an intravenous and intra-pulmonary route. For the most effective outcomes, intravenous administration is preferred.

About the Stem Cells Transplant Institute

Our clinic is located in Costa Rica, which is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations for stem cell therapy. At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute, we have a skilled team of doctors and medical professionals who collect and administer stem cells to treat autism and other conditions. Every patient receives the most cost-effective and top-notch care from our dedicated team.

Scientific References:

  1. Uth K., Dimitar T, Stem cell application for osteoarthritis in the knee joint: A mini review. World J Stem Cells 2014; 6(5): 629-636
  2.  Barry FP, Murphy JM. Mesenchymal stem cells: clinical applications and biological characterization. Int J BiochemCell Biol 2004; 36: 568-584 [PMID: 15010324 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2003.11.001]
  3. Davatchi F, Abdollahi BS, Mohyeddin M, Shahram F, Nikbin B. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis.Preliminary report of four patients. Int J RheumDis 2011; 14: 211-215 [PMID: 21518322 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2011.01599.x]
  4. Vinatier C, Bouffi C, Merceron C, Gordeladze J, BrondelloJM, Jorgensen C, Weiss P, Guicheux J, Noël D. Cartilagetissue engineering: towards a biomaterial-assisted mesenchymalstem cell therapy. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2009; 4:318-329 [PMID: 19804369]
  5. Murphy JM, Dixon K, Beck S, Fabian D, Feldman A, BarryF. Reduced chondrogenic and adipogenic activity of mesenchymalstem cells from patients with advanced osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46: 704-713 [PMID: 11920406 DOI:10.1002/art.10118]
  6. Koelling S, Miosge N. Stem cell therapy for cartilage regenerationin osteoarthritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1399-1405 [PMID: 19793003 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903246370]
  7. Mobasheri A, Csaki C, Clutterbuck AL, Rahmanzadeh M,Shakibaei M. Mesenchymal stem cells in connective tissueengineering and regenerative medicine: applications incartilage repair and osteoarthritis therapy. Histol Histopathol2009; 24: 347-366 [PMID: 19130405]
  8. Nöth U, Steinert AF, Tuan RS. Technology insight: adultmesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis therapy. Nat ClinPract Rheumatol 2008; 4: 371-380 [PMID: 18477997 DOI:10.1038/ncprheum0816]
  9. Wolfstadt JI, Cole BJ, Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Viswanathan S,Chahal J. Current Concepts: The Role of Mesenchymal StemCells in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. SportsHealth: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 2014.