Stem cell transplantation success for knee arthritis  

Demand for stem cell transplantation may become higher now that a review of the evidence shows it makes a significant difference to people with knee arthritis.

What is stem cell transplantation?

A stem cell is an immature cell that has not yet developed to become a specific kind of cell (eg cartilage cell, skin cell or muscle cell). Stem cells are continually made in the bone marrow from where they are directed to where they are needed.

Collected from fat tissue, bone marrow and even umbilical cords, stem cells can be given by a donor or taken from the patient. Then they are injected directly into the knee to trigger damaged tissues to repair.

As it’s a new treatment, research is limited and results so far mixed.

What does the new research say?

Now a new analysis of all relevant published studies indicates that stem cell transplantation from different sources is effective for treating knee osteoarthritis. Data from 875 people with knee osteoarthritis showed:

• Stem cell treatment was associated with less pain from the third month onwards;
• The most pain relief came from stem cells from fat and umbilical cords;
• A person’s own fat-derived stem cells resulted in better pain relief and more effective recovery of knee function compared with those from other donors.

“Stem cell transplantation proved safe and effective for knee osteoarthritis treatment,” the authors wrote. “Different sources stem cells have a good effect on alleviating knee joint pain, restoring knee joint function, and minimizing patient trauma.”

Click here to read the original research. 

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