Stem Cell for Osteoarthritis in India

Quality Treatment in Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Delhi

Are you suffering from Osteoarthritis? Is the joint pain keeping you up all night? Stem Cell therapy for Osteoarthritis in India can help bring back your normal life.

Our partners have bought this holistic approach to India and aim at providing quality and affordable treatment.

Cost of Stem Cell Treatment for Osteoarthritis in India

The price of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis is not much as compared to knee replacement therapy. Though it ranges from $5000 – $50,000 in the USA, the cost is much lower in India. Here you would not only save around 40% but, can also enjoy a vacation in a tropical paradise.

*The exact cost can only be known after a medical examination. 

Stem Cell Therapy for Cartilage Regeneration

The above picture shows the effect of stem cell therapy in a late-stage osteoarthritis knee patient.

The pre-treatment (left) picture shows kissing bone phenomena where the bones are touching each other due to severe cartilage disruption.

The post-treatment (right) picture shows the knee 14 months after the stem cell treatment. The bones have drifted much apart due to cartilage regeneration. The patient has improved symptoms and can walk without any discomfort and pain.

The Right Time for Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell treatment for Osteoarthritis can be considered at any stage of the disease. It helps in rejuvenating the chondrocytes in the affected area and can significantly improve the patient’s condition.^[6]Journal of Current Opinion in Rheumatology Stem cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis: Challenges and opportunities “…Stem cells may be able to contribute… after complete cartilage loss…” View in Article.

The different stages of OA showing possible interventions that can be taken along with the stem cell therapy are indicated in this diagram below:

Therefore, an ideal patient for stem cell therapy is an early-stage patient. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) can effectively treat osteoarthritis. These contain different kinds of cells including adipose-derived stem cells.

Adipose stem cells can induce chondrocyte formation which slows down or reverses OA progression. Along with it, proper lifestyle and dietary habits should be maintained.

But, if the disease has progressed in the end-stage, then knee replacement may be the only solution left. In this case, stem cells help in pain management and improve the quality of life.

Stem Cell Therapy and PRP for Osteoarthritis

Stem cell therapy can also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to treat osteoarthritis patients. PRP can increase the efficacy of adult mesenchymal stem cells in the following ways:

• Platelets provide much-needed growth factors that contribute to the functionality of stem cells^[7]Journal of Translational Medicine Intra-articular injection in the knee of adipose derived stromal cells (stromal vascular fraction) and platelet rich plasma for osteoarthritis “Adult stem cells require various growth factors…Platelets contain key growth factors such as platelet…” View in Article.
• The PRP growth factors regulate endogenous hyaluronic acid synthesis which protects the cartilage and lubricates joints.
• It also secreted hyaluronic acid and induces hepatocyte growth factor production which helps in wound healing.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis (joint pain). It occurs due to the wear-and-tear of cartilage surrounding the bone.

Osteoarthritis can occur in any part of the body, however, it commonly affects knee joints, fingers, hips, and spine.^[1]International Journal of Chronic Disease A Review on the Management of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis “…The knee is the most common joint affected …compared to 30% in hands and 19% in hips…..” View in Article

Stages of OA

Osteoarthritis can be broadly classified in 3 major stages:

• Pre-Osteoarthritis (pre-OA) Stage: During this stage, the patient is symptom-free and functional. OA onset is however started at cellular levels.^[2]Journal of Cartilage Pre-Osteoarthritis “…pre-OA as defined by us…which could also be a stage of pre-OA…..” View in Article

Certain biomarker tests and X-rays can diagnose the onset of OA. Doctors usually suggest this test in patients with prior knee trauma history.

• Early Stage: Early-stage OA (Knee) is defined as knee pain in the absence of any trauma along with muscle stiffness which lasts for at least 10 minutes after the joint movement.

If early OA is treated timely, then its progression can be significantly delayed or even reversed.^[3]Annals of Joint Significance and definition of early knee osteoarthritis “…OA progression may be prevented (secondary prevention) or can be delayed through diagnosis at an early stage before the joint is irreversibly destroyed…” View in Article

• Late Stage: This stage (moderate + severe) suffers a maximum loss of cartilage thickness. Also, the only remedy for late-stage osteoarthritis is total knee arthroplasty.^[4]Journal of Arthritis Care & Research Rates of change and Sensitivity to Change in Cartilage Morphology in Healthy Knees and in Knees with Mild, Moderate, and End Stage Radiographic Osteoarthritis “…However, KLG4 knees… are likely to encounter total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the near future…” View in Article

Causes of Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritic patients, the cartilage gradually wears down due to movement which causes friction during joint movement. Major reasons for osteoarthritis are attributed to:

• Old age
• Unhealthy lifestyle, and dietary habits
• Obesity
• Trauma or injury

Symptoms:

• Stiff and painful joints
• Loss of flexibility
• Tenderness in joints
• Swelling
• Cracking and Popping sound on bone movement

People at Risk:

You can be at risk if you are:

• Old age
• Obese
• Women^[5]Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine Knee osteoarthritis prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis and features: Part I “…Females, particularly those ≥55 years, tended to have more severe…OA..Age Genetic susceptibility…” View in Article
• Performing repetitive joint movement like in sports
• Suffering from bone deformities
• Had any bone injury
• Due to genetic inheritance

Rheumatoid Arthritis Vs Osteoarthritis

Challenges and Solutions with Stem Cell Therapy

There are certain challenges with biologic therapy that are overcome by stem cell science. Some of them are:

Stem cell potency decreases with age

The regeneration and differentiation power of stem cells decreases with age.^[8]Journal of Arthritis & Rheumatology Reduced chondrogenic and adipogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cells from patients with advanced osteoarthritis “…The primary cell yield in 36 of 38 cell cultures from OA donors fell…There was a significant reduction in in-vitro chondrogenic and …compared with that in normal cultures…” View in Article Therefore autologous stem cell treatment may not be an effective treatment.

Solution: Instead of autologous stem cells, doctors prefer allogeneic stem cells in the case of extremely old patients.

Increased inflammatory-environment in OA joints

Certain inflammation-causing cytokines are present in the osteoarthritic joints. These can interfere with the mechanism of action of the stem cells.

Solution: Scientists have come up with engineered models of stem cells that are not affected by the inflammatory cytokines.

Excessive cartilage loss during late-stage osteoarthritis

Stem cells are effective during an early stage and can prevent excessive cartilage. Thus, it can delay or halt progression in late-stage OA.

Solution: Intra-articular injections during early-stage OA can lower or eradicate the chances of disease progression to late stage.

Prerequisites

• Your and your attendant’s COVID negative report.
• Confirmed osteoarthritis diagnosis from a doctor, preferably with a doctor’s summary.
• Lab reports including radiation reports, blood tests.
• Patient medical history especially if you have undergone or waiting for any surgical procedure.
• Any ongoing medicines: blood thinners, anti-hypertensive or anti-diabetic drugs, etc.

Please provide the correct information as these may affect the stem cells’ dosage during the treatment.

Once you are approved for the treatment, your BMI, RFT, coagulation profile, biomarkers, etc are checked and recorded.

Procedure for Stem cells for Osteoarthritis

Once our doctor confirms your eligibility for the stem cell procedure, they will begin your treatment. Your stem cell arthritis treatment in India will proceed like this:

Session 1:  Stem cell extraction and priming*

The doctor will extract your stem cells using the liposuction technique. After treatment, you will receive a priming dose. This will help in preparing your body for stem cell treatment.

Sometimes an OA patient is very old and thin, and an optimal amount of fat cells may be missing. In this case, allogenic stem cells are used.

Session 2: Dose 1

It will take around 3-4 weeks to prepare your dose from the extracted cells. This dose is calculated according to the severity of your condition, your BMI, etc. Therefore, every patient has their own dose requirements.

You will receive intra-articular (IA) injection^[10]Journal of Regenerative medicine Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis: a pilot study with long-term follow-up and repeated injections ” Intra-articular injections of haMSCs were safe and improved pain, function and cartilage volume of the knee joint, rendering them a promising novel treatment for knee osteoarthritis…” View in Article around the affected joints. If you suffer from muscle wasting, then IV injections may be given.

Session 3: Dose 2

After around 1-15 days of dose 1, you will receive your second dose.

Session 4: Dose 3

Your treatment will complete with the third. However, depending on your body’s need and disease prognosis, extra sessions may be required. The doctor will inform you about the process.

Precautions

There are no side effects of stem cell therapy treatment, but certain lifestyle changes and precautions will fasten up your recovery.

• Stop anticoagulants at least 3-4 days before beginning stem cells treatment
• Avoid boarding a flight for 24-48 hrs of your stem cell dosing
• Begin physiotherapy and light exercise simultaneously with stem cell therapy.
• Do not lift heavyweight for at least 1 week after the treatment as it may cause pain or clotting
• Avoid vigorous exercise and sports

Things to keep in mind:

• Weight management

In the case of obese patients, weight management is important. The excess weight puts undue pressure on the weight-bearing joints, especially the knees and hips. This further increases the wear-and-tear of the cartilage.

• Physiotherapy

Begin physiotherapy as soon as possible as it helps in better prognosis with stem cell therapy in osteoarthritic patients.

In-house physiotherapy sessions are available on request with us. You can also opt for physiotherapy sessions from a specialized physiotherapy clinic in Chandigarh, owned by a renowned Olympian-Abhinav Bindra.

Patient Testimonial

Megha from Uttar Pradesh, India, suffered from trauma-induced osteoarthritis in her left knee.
She experienced extreme pain while performing her daily chores. Even climbing 10-stairs was a herculean task for her. She received her stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis which helped in her cartilage regeneration.

After 2 sessions of stem cell therapy, she had a tremendous improvement in her conditions. Now she is able to climb 3 floors without a flinch and is enjoying her active life now

Satisfied client after Stem Cell Therapy in India

A 79-year patient-JioDevika Desai, from Gujarat, was suffering from Osteoarthritis for the past 15-16 years. Her son, Mr. Desai, agreed for stem cell therapy in India for osteoarthritis since his mother did not want to have a total knee replacement.

After 2 weeks of the first dose, Mrs. Desai’s knee pain has subsided. Even the swelling around the joints has been reduced. The family is happy with the results and highly recommends stem cell treatment for Osteoarthritis.

Mr. Desai talking about his mother’s stem cell treatment

Read more about stem cell treatment in India and disease treatment we offer.

Reference

1. International Journal of Chronic Disease: A Review on the Management of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
2. Journal of Cartilage: Pre-Osteoarthritis
3. Annals of Joint: Significance and definition of early knee osteoarthritis
4. Journal of Arthritis Care & Research: Rates of change and Sensitivity to Change in Cartilage Morphology in Healthy Knees and in Knees with Mild, Moderate, and End Stage Radiographic Osteoarthritis
5. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine: Knee osteoarthritis prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, and features: Part I
6. Journal of Current Opinion in Rheumatology: Stem cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis: Challenges and opportunities
7. Journal of Translational Medicine: Intra-articular injection in the knee of adipose-derived stromal cells (stromal vascular fraction) and platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritis
8. Journal of Arthritis & Rheumatology: Reduced chondrogenic and adipogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cells from patients with advanced osteoarthritis
9. Journal of Arthritis Research & Therapy: Identification of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients by transcriptome-based rule set generation
10. Journal of Regenerative medicine: Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis: a pilot study with long-term follow-up and repeated injections