Success rates of Stem Cell Therapy for knee issues vary depending on the actual condition you’re suffering from, the severity of it & type of stem cell treatment you’re getting.
We break down what how stem cells can help and clear up misconceptions you’re hearing about knee Stem Cell treatments.
Our team has personally vetted Stem Cell clinics globally to make sure you can choose clinics you can trust for Knee Treatments. We continually speak to every patient who gets treatment with our clinics, so we can track success rates but also clinic quality continuously.
Can Stem Cells Help with Knee OA, Meniscus Tears & Other Injuries
Stem cell therapy can help with knee problems like osteoarthritis & meniscus tears by reducing pain and supporting the repair of damaged tissues. Click on each section to learn more about each specific knee issue.
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) Stem Cell treatments
By far the most common use, stem cell therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility by regenerating damaged cartilage in the knee joint.
Stem Cell therapy for Meniscal Tears
Stem cells can aid in repairing torn menisci, which are the cartilage pads that cushion the knee joint.
Stem Cells for Knee Ligament Injuries
Some studies suggest stem cells may help heal damaged ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Stem Cells for Cartilage Damage in the Knee
For individuals with cartilage degeneration due to injury or wear and tear, stem cell therapy can offer a solution for regenerating this tissue.
Stem Cells for Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
One clinical study showed that stem cell therapy significantly improved tendon healing & eliminated pain. It also restored strength in patients with chronic patellar tendonitis that hadn’t responded to rehab.
How Do Stem Cells Help with Knee Pain?
If you look at actual recent data, stem cells help with knee pain by reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing process, rather than differentiating into cartilage cells.
Arthritis and knee injuries often break down the cartilage that cushions your joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Traditional treatments, like painkillers, physical therapy, or steroid shots mainly manage symptoms. Stem cell therapy offers a different approach by improving the joint environment.
If you’re curious about how Stem Cells can treat other conditions, check out our article on What conditions Can Stem Cell Therapy treat.
Vetted Stem Cell Clinics That Specialise in Knee Treatments
What does the Stem Cell Knee treatment process look like?
Here’s what the typical Stem Cell Knee Treatment Process looks like
- Stem Cell Collection:
- If the stem cells are coming from your own body, they’re taken from either your bone marrow (usually from your hip) or fat tissue through a quick, minimally invasive procedure.
- If donor cells are used, typically from umbilical cord tissue, they’re sourced from a certified lab, ready to go.
- Processing the Stem Cells:
- If you’re using your own cells and getting a high dosage treatment, the mesenchymal stem cells are isolated & are grown in a lab for 4 to 6 weeks.
- If you’re using your own cells and getting a same day procedure, there’s no processing involved.
- If you’re using umbilical cord derived MSC Cells, the clinic will already have the cells cultured before you arrive.
- Precise Injection:
Using ultrasound or similar imaging tools, the doctor injects the stem cells directly into the damaged part of your knee. This ensures they’re delivered exactly where they’re needed. - Recovery and Aftercare:
After the procedure, you’ll likely need to take it easy for a few days. Light activity and possibly some physical therapy can help you get the most out of the treatment.
Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics for Knee Pain
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
Why Use Alt Treatment?
We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.
Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing
Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.
We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.
Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.
Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.
No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.
Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for Knee Pain
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics globally who treat Knee Pain. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare Clinics GloballySuccess Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees
Stem cell therapy for knees has a success rate of around 60–80% for reducing pain and improving function, based on clinical studies and reviews. While most patients see relief, cartilage regrowth is inconsistent and results can vary by treatment type and quality.
- However, Cartistem’s success rate for cartilage healing is close to 98%, with long term pain relief and mobility improvements lasting up to 5 years according to one study.
- It consistently outperforms standard treatments and works across diverse patient types with minimal side effects. Our section on Cartistem Research breaks down all the latest research related to Cartistem.
Although stem cell therapy is still considered somewhat experimental, the success rate for treating knee conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, shows promise. Here are some of the findings:
- Osteoarthritis: Studies have shown that about 60-80% of patients with knee osteoarthritis report significant pain relief and improved mobility following stem cell therapy.
- Meniscal Tears and Cartilage Repair: Early research shows stem cell therapy might help with meniscal tears and slow down cartilage damage.
- Results can vary depending on how bad the injury is, and while many patients feel better, true cartilage regrowth hasn’t been consistently proven yet.
While Stem Cell Therapy for knees is not a guaranteed fix, it does offer a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Not sure where to get knee stem cell treatment? We’ll help you choose safely.
Are Knee Stem Cell Treatments Safe?
Yes, stem cell knee treatments are proven to be safe in the short to medium term, with no serious side effects reported in clinical trials & real word studies involving over 2,000 patients. We’ve also gathered data from patients who have treatment, no-one has reported severe side effects yet.
Most side effects were mild and temporary, like joint swelling or stiffness.
But we don’t have enough data to know the safety rates after 10+ years.
How much does Stem Cell Therapy for Knee’s Cost in 2025?
Stem Cell treatment costs for your knee pain (regarding conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis etc) vary between $3,500 to $15,000 (USD) per knee as of November 2025.
We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s more of a breakdown by country:
| Country | Price Range (USD) | Country Guide |
| Colombia | $6,500 – $7,500 per knee | View Colombia Country & Cost Guide |
| Mexico | $2,500 – $4,000 per knee | View Mexico Country & Cost Guide |
| US | $4,000 – $10,000 per knee | View full USA Country & Cost Guide |
| Japan | $9,000 – $15,000 per knee. | View Full Japan Country & Cost Guide |
| South Korea | $8,000 – $12,000 per knee. | View Full South Korea Country & Cost Guide |
| Thailand | $4,700 – $9,300 | View full Thailand Country & Cost Guide |
| UK | $4,600 – $13,000 | View Full UK Country & Cost Guide |
Get an estimated treatment quote for your specific knee condition
We know getting treatment quotes isn’t easy. Get a personalized, estimated quote for any country so you can compare options for your knee’s globally.
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Risks of Getting Knee Stem Cell Treatment
Risks of Knee Stem Cell Treatment include lack of long term data, small adverse effects like infection & temporary swelling but going to the wrong clinic can be a huge waste of money & lead to complications.
- Limited Long Term Data
Most studies track patients for only a few years after treatment, so we still don’t know exactly how long the benefits last. Short-term results look promising, but long-term outcomes need more research. - Varied Result
Stem cell therapy doesn’t work the same for everyone. Your age, overall health and how severe your knee damage is can all affect how much pain relief or tissue improvement you experience - Infection Risk
Because the procedure involves injections, there’s always a small risk of infection - Temporary Pain or Swelling
It’s common to have mild pain, swelling, or stiffness for a few days after the injection. This is usually short-lived. - Cartilage Regeneration Uncertainty
Stem cells may help form new cartilage, but recent studies haven’t strongly confirmed this. If you want to explore the latest data, check out our research article that summarizes all the data.
Read these before booking any consultations
Cartistem: What is it & what’s the price?
Cartistem is a stem cell product developed by South Korea’s Medipost & it’s the world’s first approved stem cell therapy using umbilical cord-derived stem cells to treat knee cartilage damage.
It costs between $25,000 – $35,000 (USD) & only approved facilities can offer it. We’re working with a few approved hospitals in South Korea, reach out to us here if you want to learn more.
Approved by South Korea’s regulatory body in 2012, Cartistem is not something patients buy over the counter. Instead, it’s a prescription only treatment that licensed hospitals purchase and administer as part of a surgical procedure.
The product combines donor derived mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood with hyaluronic acid, which helps anchor the cells in place inside the joint.
Each Cartistem injection contains about 2.5 million stem cells. The exact amount used varies based on how much cartilage is damaged, with the dose carefully adjusted to match the size of the affected area.
Unlike other stem cell treatments like PRP or BMAC that require extracting and processing the patient’s own cells. Cartistem arrives ready-to-use and doesn’t require any cell harvesting, making the process more standardized and accessible.
It’s been gaining tons of popularity in Korea. In 2024 in one of their articles, KoreaBiomed reported over 30,000 people had now been treated with CartiStem.
It’s now in the final phases for approval in the US & Japan too. We’ve got more data on the actual research & other’s on our article breaking down studies on Stem Cells treating knee pain.
Is Stem Cell Therapy better than a knee replacement?
It really depends on where you are with your knee health and what you’re looking for. Stem cell therapy and knee replacement tackle the problem in completely different ways, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
- Stem Cell Therapy:
- This is a less invasive option that focuses on reducing pain, improving how your knee works, and maybe even helping to regenerate cartilage.
- It’s great for people with mild to moderate knee arthritis or those hoping to avoid surgery for as long as possible.
- Recovery time is a day, if that. But it doesn’t guarantee the kind of structural repair a knee replacement offers.
- Knee Replacement:
- This is the go-to option for people with severe arthritis. It’s a major surgery that replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one.
- The recovery time is longer, it’s much more invasive but it’s proven to relieve pain and get you moving again.
- If your knee is in really bad shape and other treatments like Stem Cell Therapy aren’t helping anymore, this might be the better choice.
Stem Cell Therapy vs. Other Knee Treatments
| Treatment Type | Cost | Effectiveness | Longevity | Risks |
| Stem Cell Therapy | $3,000–$20,000 | 60–70% of patients report pain relief and improved mobility. | 1–5 years (varies by patient and severity). | Minimal, though outcomes can vary; rare risks include infection or immune rejection with donor cells. |
| Cortisone Injections | $100–$500 per session | Effective for short-term pain relief but does not repair damage. | Weeks to month | Repeated use may weaken cartilage or cause joint damage over time. |
| PRP Therapy | $500–$2,500 | Shows moderate success in reducing pain and inflammation. | 6 months to 1 year. | Minimal; some swelling or discomfort at the injection site.s; not a long-term solution. |
| Hyaluronic Acid | $300–$1,000 per session | Provides lubrication to the joint, reducing friction and pain. | 6 months to 1 year. | Rare side effects include mild swelling or stiffness after injection. |
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Where can I get Safe, Stem Cell Knee Treatments from in 2025?
From Alt Treatment’s Vetted Clinics! You can get safe, stem cell knee treatments in most countries, it’s more dependent on the actual clinic you’re choosing. But there are factors to take into consideration:
Regulations
Different countries have more or less regulations. Japan & South Korea, for example, have legalized cultured stem cell treatments.
Cell Type
Do you want umbilical cord derived cells or your own cells? In the US for example, you can get umbilical cord derived MSCs in Florida.
Medical Team
Are the team actual experts in treating orthopedic conditions? This is a key question to ask.
Cell Quality
Is the clinic working with the right cell processing centres and adhering to GMP standards?
We know it’s a lot to take on board, that’s why our teams are here to help.
Get Free Support From Alt Treatment
- Walk you through latest data & independent patient reviews
- Guidance on regulations across countries globally
- Connects you with vetted clinics who follow best practice
- Secure exclusive discounts on treatments
- Support throughout your journey. Think of us as your free, personal concierge!
So, What is the Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Knees & is it worth it?
Stem cell therapy for knee pain, especially osteoarthritis, can be worth considering for some patients, particularly when other treatments haven’t worked.
Clinical trials and real world data show that around 60 to 80% of patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility after treatment. But Cartistem results have been much more positive.
However, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Most of the benefits come from reducing inflammation and supporting joint repair, not from fully regrowing cartilage. Success rates for Stem Cell Knee treatments vary based on the type of stem cells used, the severity of the knee damage, and how the therapy is delivered.
The clinic you choose plays a huge part in how successful your treatment is. Our team has personally vetted Stem Cell clinics globally to make sure you can choose clinics you can trust. We continually speak to every patient who gets treatment with our clinics, so we can track success rates but also clinic quality continuously.
Fill out the form below to talk to our team to get help!
Alt Treatment is a free, independent platform that helps you understand stem cell therapy & decide if it’s right for you.
We break down complex information into clear, honest guidance. When you’re ready, we can connect you with verified clinics that meet your needs, in the right location, and often with exclusive discounts.
There’s no charge to use our platform. No hidden fees. No pressure. Our main aim is to genuinely help you figure out if treatment is right & the best places to consider.
If you want to talk, fill out our form here & our personal concierge team will reach out.
Japan, Colombia, South Korea & Florida in the US are amongst the countries you can get Stem Cell Knee treatments in. To view clinics globally that can treat knee conditions, you can compare them all here.
Benefits often last 1–5 years, but this can vary. Some patients need repeat treatments for sustained relief.
Yes, Stem Cell injections can work for many people with knee pain. Stem Cell injections reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function by promoting the body’s natural healing process. However, results can vary depending on factors like the severity of your condition, the type of stem cells used, and the clinic’s expertise. But it’s not always a guaranteed fix.
Stem cell therapy is not a guaranteed way to regrow knee cartilage, but it may help slow down damage and improve joint health. While mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can become cartilage cells in theory, real-world studies show they mainly work by sending out healing signals that reduce inflammation and support your body’s natural repair process. Some patients may see small areas of cartilage improvement on MRI, but full regeneration is still rare and unpredictable..
Most insurance providers globally do not cover stem cell therapy for knees because they still consider it experimental.
No. Stem cell treatment for knees is not available on the NHS in the UK. Patients need to seek private clinics for this therapy in the UK.
We’ve vetted private Stem Cell Clinics across the UK in London and Manchester to help you choose the right clinics that are following best practise & regulations. Fill on our form here and our team will reach out & walk you through your options, latest data & success rates & how to secure exclusive discounts.
You can only get umbilical cord derived Knee Stem Cell Treatments in Florida & Utah in the US. Legally anyway.
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Clinics across Florida & Utah to help you choose the right clinics that are following best practise & regulations. Fill on our form here and our team will reach out & walk you through your options, latest data & success rates & how to secure exclusive discounts.
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