Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common conditions we treat at StemCellMD. It affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of disability in adults over 50. For many patients, the standard treatment pathway — NSAIDs, cortisone injections, and eventually total knee replacement — leaves much to be desired.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee OA is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage — the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in the knee joint. As cartilage erodes, bone-on-bone contact causes pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Unlike bone, cartilage has very limited natural repair capacity.
How Can Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy Help?
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) delivered intra-articularly introduces high concentrations of mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and endothelial progenitor cells directly into the knee joint. These cells can differentiate into cartilage-forming chondrocytes, reduce inflammatory signaling, and promote new blood vessel formation to improve tissue nutrition.
What Does the Clinical Evidence Show?
A 2022 study published in Stem Cells International (Kuebler et al.) treated 174 patients across 267 knees with a single Marrow Cellution bone marrow aspirate injection. The results at 6 months showed statistically significant improvements in WOMAC pain scores, WOMAC function scores, and VAS pain scores (all p < 0.001).
A separate pilot study (Lutz et al.) analyzed autologous bone marrow aspirate injectate for knee osteoarthritis and found clinical improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) for Joint Replacement throughout the follow-up period.
Is Stem Cell Therapy a Replacement for Knee Replacement Surgery?
For appropriate candidates — generally Grade I–III osteoarthritis without significant mechanical deformity — BMAC can significantly delay or avoid the need for total knee replacement. For advanced Grade IV OA, we will discuss your options honestly during consultation.
Take the Next Step
If you’re living with knee pain and want to explore a regenerative alternative, schedule a consultation at StemCellMD in West Palm Beach. We serve patients throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida.