Knee osteoarthritis is a common health problem, especially among older adults, people who are overweight, or those who have put heavy stress on their knees over a long period of time. It occurs when the cartilage inside the knee joint gradually wears down, leading to chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling, limited knee bending, and difficulty moving, all of which can affect daily life.
Today, there are several treatment options available for knee osteoarthritis, including knee surgery, hyaluronic acid injections, steroid injections, and knee stem cell injections (Chondrogenic MSC), which are widely discussed for their potential to help restore cartilage and support better joint function. How does Chondrogenic MSC (stem cell injection) help manage knee osteoarthritis? Key properties and what you should know before deciding to undergo the treatment LINNA Clinic has gathered all the answers in this article
Table of Contents
What is knee osteoarthritis? What are the causes, and how many stages are there?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which the cartilage on the surface of the knee joint gradually deteriorates or becomes thinner. This leads to direct friction between the bones inside the joint, resulting in inflammation, knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty in movement.
This condition can be caused by several factors, including aging, genetic predisposition, excess body weight, prolonged heavy use of the knee joint, or previous knee injuries. The severity of knee osteoarthritis is generally classified into four stages, as follows:
- Stage 1 (Early stage): The cartilage begins to wear slightly, with no obvious pain. Daily activities can still be performed normally.
- Stage 2 (Mild stage): The cartilage on the knee joint surface begins to thin in certain areas. Mild pain may occur, along with occasional joint noises.
- Stage 3 (Moderate stage): The cartilage deteriorates further, with inflammation developing in the joint. This can lead to chronic pain and swelling, knee stiffness, and difficulty in movement.
- Stage 4 (Severe stage): The cartilage is extensively damaged, causing direct bone-on-bone friction within the joint. This results in severe knee pain, limited ability to bend the knee, and in some cases, joint deformity with significantly reduced mobility.
What is Chondrogenic MSC, or stem cell therapy for cartilage? Can it really help regenerate cartilage and improve joint function?
Chondrogenic MSC refers to Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) that are specifically directed toward cartilage-forming cells. These cells are derived from umbilical cord tissue, particularly a gelatinous substance known as Wharton’s jelly, which is rich in MSCs capable of differentiating into cartilage cells and supporting tissue regeneration effectively.
After Chondrogenic MSC stem cells are injected into the knee joint by a physician, the cells work through several key mechanisms. These include stimulating the body’s own cartilage cells (endogenous cartilage cells) to proliferate, helping replace degenerated cartilage and ligaments. They also release proteins and bioactive substances essential for tissue repair, while helping to reduce inflammation within the knee joint.
The main goal is to help relieve pain and support the restoration of knee function. However, Chondrogenic MSC therapy is considered an alternative option to support knee regeneration without surgery, not a primary treatment. A physician must assess each patient individually to determine suitability, and results may vary depending on multiple factors.
Properties of Chondrogenic MSC
Chondrogenic MSC are high-quality cells developed from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) with a key role in supporting the care and regeneration of cartilage and joint tissues. Their notable properties include the following:
- Secretes important proteins and biomolecules that help stimulate the natural regeneration of soft tissues, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Stimulates the activity of the body’s cartilage cells, promoting their proliferation and increasing their number, while also helping to reduce inflammation within the joint.
- Helps repair and regenerate degenerated cells in the knee joint, improving joint function and allowing for smoother, more flexible movement.
Who is the Chondrogenic MSC program for knee osteoarthritis suitable for?
Chondrogenic MSC is a knee regeneration program that involves injecting stem cells directly into the affected area without the need for surgery. It is suitable for individuals who wish to restore knee joints and ligaments affected by degeneration, such as:
- Individuals with knee osteoarthritis or joint degeneration
- Individuals with bone-related conditions
- Individuals with chronic joint or knee pain who have tried medications, physical therapy, or other treatments but have not experienced sufficient improvement
- Individuals with Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Individuals with knee injuries
- Individuals seeking an alternative option for knee regeneration alongside other treatment approaches, such as weight management, pain relief medications, and lifestyle modifications
For optimal results and safety, it is important to consult a physician for a thorough evaluation before deciding on knee stem cell injections. The doctor will assess multiple factors, including the severity of knee osteoarthritis, age, overall health, underlying conditions, and the expected outcomes after treatment.
Advantages of Chondrogenic MSC
- Supports cartilage regeneration, reduces inflammation and relieves knee pain, helping improve joint mobility
- No surgery required, relatively quick procedure, and may help reduce potential side effects associated with knee surgery
- Relatively short recovery period; it is generally recommended to temporarily limit knee use for about 1–2 days
- Chondrogenic MSCs derived from umbilical cord tissue are considered safe and have low immunogenicity, meaning they are less likely to trigger an immune response. They also have strong proliferative potential and can effectively support tissue repair and regeneration processes.
- Helps reduce potential issues associated with excessive use of pain medications and steroids
- Can be used alongside other treatment approaches under a doctor’s guidance to support knee osteoarthritis management, such as PRP injections, viscosupplementation (joint lubrication injections), exercise, and physical therapy
Key things to know about Chondrogenic MSC
- Chondrogenic MSC injection is a medical procedure that requires strict quality control. Therefore, it should be performed at a certified clinic, using high-quality stem cells with traceable sources, and carried out by an experienced physician.
- Chondrogenic MSC is an alternative approach to support cartilage and joint regeneration under appropriate individual conditions. It is not a substitute for primary medical treatments, especially in patients with advanced-stage knee osteoarthritis.
- Response and outcomes may vary from person to person, depending on multiple factors such as the severity of knee osteoarthritis, age, overall health, underlying conditions, and individual self-care practices.
- Although Chondrogenic MSC injections performed in a certified clinic by an experienced physician are considered low-risk, some side effects may occur. These can include pain or swelling at the injection site, and in some cases, fatigue or a mild fever. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
Should you choose surgery or knee regeneration with Chondrogenic MSC?
In general, physicians determine the appropriate treatment approach for knee osteoarthritis based on several factors, such as:
- The degree of cartilage damage and knee joint degeneration.
- The severity of symptoms.
- Age
- The expected goals after knee stem cell injection.
In cases where the patient is elderly or has significant cartilage and joint damage with severe pain that affects daily life, knee replacement surgery may provide more definitive and noticeable results.
On the other hand, for younger patients or those with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis, where cartilage and joint degeneration is not yet severe, physicians may recommend knee regeneration using Chondrogenic MSC injections combined with lifestyle and activity modifications instead of surgery. This approach aims to support cartilage and joint tissue repair, improve knee function, and reduce potential risks associated with knee surgery.
Is Chondrogenic MSC dangerous?
Stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis performed by an experienced physician are considered relatively low risk, as they are non-surgical procedures. In addition, the stem cell products used at LINNA Clinic undergo strict quality control processes, including assessment of cell characteristics, proliferative capacity, and viability of more than 95%.
They are also tested for contamination, safety, and potential risks such as tumorigenicity or cancer development. These measures help ensure that the cells used are of high quality and meet safety standards.
However, individuals interested in knee stem cell injections should choose a certified clinic that meets medical standards, undergo a thorough health assessment, and receive a personalized treatment plan designed by an experienced physician to ensure both safety and optimal outcomes.
Procedure of Chondrogenic MSC Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis Care
Generally, the procedure of Chondrogenic MSC injection for knee osteoarthritis care includes the following steps:
- A thorough medical evaluation is performed. The physician takes a detailed medical history, conducts a physical examination, and assesses the severity of knee osteoarthritis in order to design an appropriate treatment plan.
- Preparation of stem cells involves selecting high-quality Chondrogenic MSCs that meet established safety and quality standards.
- Chondrogenic MSC is injected directly into the knee joint. The dosage of stem cells varies depending on the severity of the condition in each individual case.
- Follow-up assessments are performed every 3 months after the injection to monitor symptoms and the body’s response. After that, repeat treatment may be considered every 6 months for optimal outcomes.
How many sessions are needed for stem cell injections in knee osteoarthritis treatment?
The number of Chondrogenic MSC injections for knee osteoarthritis is determined by the physician based on each individual case. Typically, each session involves approximately 5–20 million cells per knee, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments may be repeated every 3–6 months, with follow-up appointments scheduled every 3 months to monitor knee pain and response to therapy.
Post-care after knee stem cell injection
Patients should follow their physician’s instructions to help enhance the body’s recovery after Chondrogenic MSC injections for knee osteoarthritis, as follows:
- Avoid heavy use of the knee joint during the first 1–2 weeks.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the knee joints.
- Drink plenty of clean water and consume a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking for at least 1 month.
- Avoid hot compresses, saunas, and any treatments applied to the injection area to help prevent inflammation, swelling, and redness.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your physician to monitor progress and evaluate the body’s response.
Summary
Chondrogenic MSC is a type of stem cell derived from umbilical cord tissue, which is rich in MSCs and has strong potential to support the regeneration of cartilage and joint tissues. It can be injected directly into the knee joint to help stimulate the proliferation and repair of cartilage cells and damaged ligaments, reduce inflammation, and improve overall knee function.
However, the regeneration process should always be performed under the supervision of an experienced physician. Treatment outcomes may vary depending on multiple individual factors.
If you are experiencing knee pain, joint stiffness, or difficulty in performing daily activities as before, or if you suspect that you may have knee osteoarthritis, you can undergo a personalized assessment and knee rehabilitation plan with the Stem Cell (Chondrogenic MSC) knee osteoarthritis program by the medical team at LINNA Clinic.
For inquiries or appointments, please contact us at Tel. 063-609-8888, WhatsApp +66 919799554, or LINE: @linnaclinic.
