Stem Cells in the Treatment of Knee Arthritis

I recently performed a Cochrane database (a well respected medical information source for
studies) looking at the research to support the injection of stem cells into knee for the treatment of
knee osteoarthritis – or ‘wear and tear’ arthritis of the knee.

While this is an extremely interesting area of development, currently the research is lacking in
demonstrating the effectiveness of stem cells as a viable treatment option for advanced knee
osteoarthritis. The best source of stem cells (blood, bone marrow or elsewhere) is unknown, the
best concentration or number of cells to be injected is unknown, and the other proteins that should
accompany the stem cells to ensure they develop into the right cells in the right location inside the
knee is unknown.

I have no doubt that stem cells are the way of the future when it comes to treating degenerative
conditions and tissues in the human body. However, at this point in time it is still in the realm of
experimentation and research. The government and health funds do not currently offer a rebate on
the use of stem cells for the treatment of knee wear and tear but I expect will do so once the
effectiveness has been demonstrated in clinical trials. My prediction is this is another decade or
more away, but that is just a guess.

For more information about the treatment of your knee arthritis please contact me.