Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. It's a leading cause of disability in people over 50, especially those with a history of joint injury, obesity, or repetitive stress on the knees. As cartilage degrades and inflammation sets in, everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs become increasingly difficult.
Conventional therapies such as NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and eventually total knee replacement aim to alleviate symptoms but often do not prevent disease progression. Many patients find themselves cycling through short-term fixes without long-term improvement.
Regenerative medicine offers a hopeful alternative. Intra-articular injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC), or Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) aim to harness the body’s natural healing processes. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and contains platelets rich in growth factors. BMC and MSCs, extracted from bone marrow or fat tissue, contain regenerative cells that may help restore damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation at the source.
In the United States, PRP is widely available in orthopedic and sports medicine clinics, with typical costs ranging from $600–$1,500 per injection. MSC and BMC therapies, which are still considered investigational, cost significantly more — often between $4,000 and $10,000. In contrast, clinics in MedellÃn offer PRP treatments for $200–$400, and MSC therapy for $1,000–$3,500, making them a more affordable option for medical tourists seeking cutting-edge care.
Clinical research supports the efficacy of these therapies, particularly in early to moderate OA. PRP is often favored for its anti-inflammatory effects and ease of preparation, while MSCs may offer cartilage-regenerative potential in more advanced stages. While not everyone responds to treatment, many patients report significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life — sometimes delaying or avoiding joint replacement surgery entirely.
🔬 Scientific Evidence: Regenerative Therapies for Knee OA
Study 1: Patel et al., 2013
This randomized trial compared PRP with hyaluronic acid injections in 150 patients with knee OA. At both 6 and 12 months, the PRP group showed significantly better outcomes in pain reduction and joint function, with no serious adverse events reported. The study supports PRP as a safer and more effective alternative to traditional viscosupplements. PubMed
Study 2: Shapiro et al., 2017
In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 25 patients were injected with either BMC or saline placebo. The BMC group reported statistically significant reductions in pain and stiffness at six months. While MRI showed no significant structural changes, the symptomatic relief was meaningful for patients. PubMed
Study 3: Vega et al., 2015
In this RCT, 30 patients with moderate knee OA were treated with allogeneic MSCs or placebo. The MSC group demonstrated significant improvements in pain and cartilage quality at one year, without any immune rejection or serious adverse effects. This suggests that even donor-derived stem cells may offer safe therapeutic potential. PubMed
Glossary
- OA: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition affecting cartilage.
- PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma, concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood.
- BMC: Bone Marrow Concentrate, a source of stem cells and growth factors.
- Intra-articular: Injection into a joint space.