Advanced Regenerative Medicine with Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — a type of multipotent adult stem cell found in bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and other tissues throughout the body. In the context of joint treatment, MSCs are harvested from the patient's own body, concentrated in a laboratory setting, and then injected into the affected joint or tissue.

The most commonly used source for orthopaedic applications is bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), where cells are drawn from the iliac crest (the back of the pelvis) under local anaesthetic. Adipose-derived MSCs are an alternative, harvested from a small sample of fat tissue. Both approaches use autologous cells — meaning they come from you — which eliminates concerns about immune rejection.

Once introduced into the joint environment, MSCs may exert their effects through two primary mechanisms. First, differentiation: MSCs have the capacity to develop into chondrocytes (cartilage cells), osteoblasts (bone cells), and other specialised cell types, potentially contributing to structural tissue repair. Second, paracrine signalling: MSCs secrete a range of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors — including TGF-β, IGF-1, and VEGF — that modulate the local immune response, reduce inflammation, and create a more favourable environment for healing.

It is important to note that stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal conditions remains an active area of research. The biological mechanisms are increasingly well understood, but clinical outcomes vary between patients. A thorough assessment by one of our specialists is essential to determine whether stem cell treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.

What Does the Research Show?

A systematic review published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology (2023) analysed 15 randomised controlled trials of MSC therapy for joint conditions and found that 12 of those trials reported statistically significant improvements in pain scores and symptom outcomes. A further analysis in Frontiers in Medicine (2024) compared long-term outcomes of BMAC, corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid (HA), and PRP at four-year follow-up, finding that BMAC demonstrated the most durable pain reduction and functional improvement of the four modalities studied.

These findings are encouraging, though the field continues to evolve. Individual results depend on factors including the severity of joint degeneration, the patient's age and general health, and the specific joint being treated. Our clinicians will review all relevant imaging and medical history during your assessment.

Conditions We Treat