Knee Arthritis can cause severe knee pain, making it difficult if not impossible to live an active life. Many believe that knee surgery is the only long-term solution to their pain. Fortunately, Bone Marrow Stem Cell Injections have been shown to be an effective alternative to total knee replacement surgery. These injections have been scientifically proven to alleviate knee pain, restore function and provide long lasting relief without the risks associated with total knee replacement surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about how to fix your knee pain without surgery, keep reading.
What is Knee Arthritis? What are the Causes and Symptoms of Knee Arthritis ?
Knee arthritis is a progressive condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, leading to knee pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear over time. Advanced age, obesity and smoking can contribute to knee arthritis. Injuries and repetitive stress from daily activities or sports can also accelerate joint degeneration. Once the cartilage breaks down to a significant extent, the bones rub against each other, causing knee pain and limiting mobility. Many patients experience difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily tasks and often complain of the knee to “give out”. Left untreated, knee arthritis can lead to significant joint damage and reduced quality of life. Fortunately, regenerative therapies like Bone Marrow Stem Cells can provide a lasting, non-surgical solution for knee pain.
Stages of Knee Arthritis
When discussing the severity of knee osteoarthritis, we use a grading system between 0 and 4. Grade 0 is a perfectly normal and healthy knee. Grade 1 knee arthritis is mild degeneration and generally mild to no symptoms. Grade 3 and 4 knee arthritis is where someone has severe degenerative changes, significant knee pain and more commonly called severe or bone on bone arthritis.

When people have grade 3 and grade 4 knee arthritis, they can develop what is called bone marrow edema in the bones above and below the joint (the femur and tibia). These are areas of bone swelling and inflammation that can be seen on MRI images. These bone lesions commonly contribute to knee pain, and as you will see below, should be treated for best results.
What is the Standard of Treatment for Knee Arthritis?
Traditional treatments for knee arthritis typically focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying cause. Common approaches include over-the-counter pain medications, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, Hyaluronic acid or “gel” injections, and physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles. When these treatments are ineffective, knee replacement surgery is often recommended. While the steroid injections may offer temporary relief, they come with risks, such as potential acceleration of joint damage. Studies have shown that steroids “cortisone injections” are associated with gross cartilage damage and chondrocyte (cartilage cell) toxicity. Other studies have concluded that steroid injections increase the risk of knee joint degeneration and joint space narrowing by three-fold compared with patients who do not receive steroid injections (1).
Total knee replacement comes with significant risks including infection, blood clots, and hardware failure. Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy stands out as a safer, minimally invasive alternative that addresses the root cause of knee arthritis and promotes long-term joint health.
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What is Stem Cell Therapy with Bone Marrow Concentrate?
Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy is an innovative regenerative medicine treatment that uses the body’s own stem cells to repair damaged tissue. The process begins with extracting a small amount of bone marrow, typically from the pelvic bone. The bone marrow is then processed to isolate and concentrate mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and platelets, which are rich in healing potential. This concentrated solution is injected into the affected knee joint using ultrasound and x-ray guidance for precision. Unlike traditional treatments, Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy focuses on healing and regenerating cartilage, reducing inflammation, and restoring overall joint health without the need for surgery.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy with Bone Marrow Treat Knee Arthritis?
Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy addresses the root causes of knee arthritis. Once injected into the knee, the stem cells and growth factors reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviating pain. These cells then stimulate the body’s natural healing process, improve the health of cartilage and repair damaged areas. Additionally, when stem cell therapy is performed in a comprehensive approach, precisely targeting the joint, bones, ligaments and tendons of the knee, it can provide improved health, increased strength and stability of the whole joint. These benefits can be further enhanced with physical therapy to improve the musculature and biomechanics. Many patients experience long-term relief, improved mobility, and a significant reduction in arthritis symptoms after undergoing this comprehensive, minimally invasive treatment.
What is the Research for Bone Marrow Stem Cell Knee Arthritis Treatments?
Scientific research consistently supports the effectiveness of Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy for treating knee arthritis. Studies have found improved knee function, reduced pain, and some have even shown that stem cell therapy can promote cartilage repair and slow down the progression of arthritis. These studies highlight the potential of bone marrow stem cell therapy to provide long-term relief and improve joint health, making it a superior alternative to traditional knee treatments and knee surgeries.
Bone Marrow Stem Cell for Knee Arthritis Study
In 2014, a team of researchers wanted to know the effects of bone marrow stem cell for differing severities of knee arthritis. For this study, they enrolled participants who ranged from grade 1 knee arthritis (mild) to grade 4 (severe). They all received a single intra-articular (inside the joint) injection with Bone Marrow Stem Cells. They were then followed for 1 year to determine the effect. All groups showed significant improvement in knee pain levels. On average pain decreased from 7/10 down to 3.3/10 at 12 months after the procedure. Not only did their pain improve but their knee function saw similar improvements. The KOOS score (a questionnaire that measures a patient’s knee health, symptoms, and function) increased from an average of 43 to over 70 (2).

In the above study patients with more severe knee osteoarthritis did not do as well as patients with mild and moderate knee arthritis. You will see in the following studies, outcomes in severe knee arthritis can be improved with specific injections of stem cells into areas with bone inflammation.
Bone Versus Joint Injections with Stem Cells for Knee Arthritis Study
Another study published in 2021 examined the differences between intra-articular (inside the joint) and subchondral (inside the bone) injections of bone marrow stem cells in patients with severe knee arthritis. These patients were deemed candidates for knee replacement surgery, so the researchers wanted to compare which injection was better at postponing total knee replacement. The patients received an injection of stem cells into the joint on one side and into the bone on the other side. They followed these patients for 15 years after their stem cell procedures to evaluate which treatment worked better. In the knees that were treated with the subchondral (bone) injections, only 20% ended up having knee surgery, while 70% of the knees that were treated with intra-articular (inside joint only) injections eventually ended up having knee replacement surgery. Also, in the patients who did not need surgery, all preferred the results of the knee with subchondral (bone) injection. This study highlights the importance of being thoroughly evaluated, and if needed, having these areas of bone inflammation treated with stem cells for optimal outcomes (3).

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Versus Total Knee Replacement Study
Another study published in 2020 in International Orthopedics compared bone marrow stem cell injections to total knee replacement in the same patients. 60 knees were treated in 30 patients with severe arthritis in both knees. One knee underwent total knee replacement while the other knee was treated with Bone Marrow Stem Cell injections directly into the bone marrow of the femur and tibia bones. Patients were evaluated at four weeks, three months, one year, and then yearly after. At the most recent follow up which ranged between 8 to 16 years post procedure six out of 30 knee replacement knees needed subsequent surgery versus only one that received stem cell therapy. The pain scores were improved in both groups to a similar degree. Most of the patients (21 out of 30) preferred the knee that had the stem cell therapy treatment over the knee surgery. On imaging, the knees that underwent stem cells treatment saw improvement in cartilage volume and a reduction in bone marrow edema in the bones above and below the joint. This was a fantastic study really showing the ability of stem cell injections to treat knee pain even in severe arthritis (4).
The Bottom Line for Bone Marrow Stem Cell Treatments
Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy is revolutionizing the treatment of knee arthritis by offering a natural, minimally invasive, and effective solution. By using your body’s own stem cells, this therapy promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and improves the health of damaged cartilage, providing long-term relief and improved joint function. Unlike traditional treatments that merely mask symptoms or involve invasive surgery, Bone Marrow Stem Cell therapy addresses the root cause of knee arthritis with minimal risk and downtime.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we take pride in offering the most advanced and evidence based Regenerative Medicine treatments. All patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation that identifies the cause of their knee pain. We evaluate the joint, bones, all the ligaments, and muscles that may be contributing to the knee pain and dysfunction. We then treat all these areas with the most thorough and comprehensive approach using highly concentrated Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Because we have an inhouse lab, we are able to produce the highest quality biologic products. We also utilize advanced imaging guidance such as ultrasound and X-ray to assure safety and accuracy during all injections.
If you’re struggling with knee pain and looking for an alternative to surgery, contact Integrative Rehab Medicine today to learn how our comprehensive Bone Marrow Stem Cell treatment can help you eliminate knee pain, regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
References:
- Wijn, S. R. W., Rovers, M. M., van Tienen, T. G., & Hannink, G. (2020). Intra-articular corticosteroid injections increase the risk of requiring knee arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal, 102-B(5), 586–592. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.102b5.bjj-2019-1376.r1
- Kim JD, Lee GW, Jung GH, Kim CK, Kim T, Park JH, Cha SS, You YB. Clinical outcome of autologous bone marrow aspirates concentrate (BMAC) injection in degenerative arthritis of the knee. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014 Dec;24(8):1505-11. doi: 10.1007/s00590-013-1393-9. Epub 2014 Jan 8. PMID: 24398701.
- Pabinger, C., Lothaller, H. & Kobinia, G.S. Intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (mesenchymal stem cells) in KL grade III and IV knee osteoarthritis: 4 year results of 37 knees. Sci Rep 14, 2665 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51410-2
- Hernigou P, Auregan JC, Dubory A, Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, Chevallier N, Rouard H. Subchondral stem cell therapy versus contralateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis following secondary osteonecrosis of the knee. Int Orthop. 2018 Nov;42(11):2563-2571. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-3916-9. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29589086.