Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain and disability worldwide. For people who have “tried everything” – and are still searching for lasting relief – emerging regenerative treatments are changing what’s possible.
Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis offers a non-surgical, regenerative option that targets the root cause – not just the symptoms. Recent studies comparing single vs. repeated MSC knee injections show promising results for pain relief, cartilage repair, and long-term joint function.
At Regenexx Cayman, our advanced culture-expanded stem cell procedures deliver a higher-quality, evidence-based alternative to traditional knee treatments, helping patients move with less pain, greater freedom, and renewed confidence.
In this research review, Dr. Williams discusses this in more detail.
Traditional Treatments vs. Stem Cell Therapy
Traditional treatments like pain relievers, steroid injections, and even surgery often fail to reverse the underlying cartilage damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapy due to their ability to reduce inflammation and potentially regenerate tissue.
Methods of the Study
This systematic review and network meta-analysis included 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 622 patients. MSCs were derived from bone marrow (BM-MSCs), adipose tissue (AD-MSCs), or umbilical cords (UC-MSCs). Doses ranged from 1×10⁷ to 1×10⁸ cells per injection, delivered directly into the knee joint. Patients received either a single injection or repeated injections (2–4 doses). Outcomes measured included pain (VAS), function and stiffness (WOMAC), and quality of life (KOOS). Conventional treatments (hyaluronic acid, saline, placebo, acetaminophen, corticosteroids) served as controls.
Results
Both single and repeated MSC injections improved pain, stiffness, and function compared to conventional therapy. WOMAC and VAS scores showed significant improvement at 3, 6, and 12 months. KOOS scores also demonstrated better daily activities, sports performance, and quality of life. Repeated injections provided greater improvements at 6–12 months but carried a slightly higher risk of mild adverse events.
Clinical Meaning and Relevance
For patients with KOA, MSC therapy represents a minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement surgery. Single injections provide meaningful short-term relief, while repeated injections may extend the benefits further. This suggests that dosing frequency could be tailored to patient needs, balancing effectiveness with safety.
Why Regenexx Matters
At Regenexx Cayman, patients have access to advanced culture-expanded MSC procedures that go beyond the standard single-dose approaches used in most trials. By carefully preparing and expanding bone marrow-derived stem cells, Regenexx can deliver higher-quality treatments with proven safety records. This study supports Regenexx’s approach, as it highlights the value of repeat dosing and personalized stem cell therapy.
💡 Thought Question: If regenerative injections can delay or even replace the need for knee surgery, should stem cell therapy become the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis?
Take the Next Step
If you are suffering from knee pain and want to explore evidence-based regenerative options, reach out to Regenexx Cayman today. Our expert physicians provide advanced treatments backed by the latest science. Contact us online or call us directly at 1-345-943-5900 (Cayman) / 1-877-211-3834 (US Toll-free).
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