Stem Cell Therapy or Knee Surgery?
Chronic knee pain can make walking, exercising and enjoying everyday activities more difficult. When conservative treatments are no longer providing the relief someone wants, the question often becomes: What should I consider next?
For some patients, knee replacement surgery may eventually be recommended. Others may want to explore less-invasive options before deciding whether major surgery is right for them.
At Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center (KRMC), one question we frequently hear is: What is the difference between stem cell therapy for knee pain and knee replacement surgery?
The two approaches are very different. Understanding the procedures, recovery expectations, costs and potential risks can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare providers.
Stem Cell Therapy or Knee Replacement: How Are They Different?
The biggest difference is the nature of the procedures.
Knee replacement | stem cell therapy | |
|---|---|---|
Anesthesia | General | Local |
Back to Work Full Time | 4 weeks | 0-3 days |
Treats Multiple Joints | No | Yes |
Covered by Insurance | Yes | Not Currently |
Physical Therapy |
Yes |
No |
Potential Side Effects |
Moderate to Severe |
Little to None |
Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain
At Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center, stem cell therapy for knee pain uses a patient's own cells as part of an outpatient regenerative medicine procedure.
Treatment is individualized based on the patient's condition, medical history and treatment goals. The KRMC team evaluates each prospective patient to determine whether regenerative medicine may be an appropriate option.
Stem cell therapy does not involve replacing the knee joint with artificial components.
Knee Replacement Surgery
During total knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, an orthopedic surgeon removes damaged portions of the knee joint and replaces or resurfaces them with artificial components.
Knee replacement may be considered when knee damage is significant and other treatments have not provided adequate relief or improved function.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) also provides detailed patient information about total knee replacement, including when surgery may be recommended, what to expect from the procedure and recovery.
How Long Does Each Procedure Take?
KRMC's stem cell therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients receive specific instructions regarding what to expect before, during and after their appointment.
Knee replacement is major surgery performed in a hospital or surgical setting. The procedure requires anesthesia and is followed by a structured recovery and rehabilitation period.
The time involved in either approach extends beyond the procedure itself, so patients should consider preparation, follow-up care and recovery when comparing their options.
How Does Recovery Compare?
Recovery is one of the most significant differences between stem cell therapy and knee replacement surgery.
Recovery After Stem Cell Therapy
Because KRMC's procedure does not involve surgically replacing the knee joint, the post-procedure experience is different from recovery following joint replacement.
Patients receive individualized aftercare instructions and should follow the activity recommendations provided by their KRMC medical team. Recovery experiences and responses to treatment vary from person to person.
KRMC also stays in contact with patients following treatment to monitor their progress.
Recovery After Knee Replacement
Recovery from knee replacement involves healing from major surgery and gradually rebuilding mobility and strength.
Patients typically begin moving soon after surgery and may use a walker, crutches or another assistive device initially. Physical therapy and prescribed exercises can play an important role in restoring movement and strength.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recovery is different for everyone, and returning to work and normal activities depends on factors including the type of work a person does and the speed of their recovery.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy vs. Knee Replacement Cost?
Cost is another consideration, but comparing the two isn't as simple as comparing two price tags.
Stem Cell Therapy Costs
Stem cell therapy is generally not covered by health insurance, which means patients should expect to pay for treatment out of pocket.
Treatment costs can vary depending on the recommended procedure and the number of areas being addressed. KRMC discusses treatment recommendations and associated costs with patients before they decide whether to proceed.
Knee Replacement Costs
The cost of knee replacement can vary substantially depending on the hospital or surgical facility, geographic location, insurance coverage, deductible and other factors.
Insurance may cover some or much of the cost when knee replacement is medically necessary, but a patient's actual out-of-pocket expense depends on their individual insurance plan.
There may also be costs associated with imaging, physician visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications and other aspects of surgical care.
For that reason, patients comparing costs should consider their expected total out-of-pocket expense, rather than relying on a national average for the procedure alone.
What Are the Potential Risks?
Every medical procedure has potential risks, and patients should understand them before deciding on treatment.
Considerations With Stem Cell Therapy
Individual responses to regenerative medicine vary. Some patients may report improvement following treatment, while others may not experience the degree of change they hoped for.
A consultation gives patients an opportunity to discuss the procedure, potential risks, realistic expectations and whether they may be an appropriate candidate.
Patients considering regenerative medicine should also understand its regulatory status. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides consumer information about regenerative medicine therapies, including information patients should consider when evaluating stem cell and regenerative medicine procedures.
Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery
As with other major surgeries, knee replacement has potential risks and complications. These can include infection, blood clots, anesthesia-related complications, stiffness and other surgical complications.
Artificial knee components may also wear or loosen over time, and some patients eventually require additional surgery.
An orthopedic surgeon can explain an individual's specific risks and expected outcomes based on age, overall health, knee condition and other factors.
Is Stem Cell Therapy an Alternative to Knee Replacement?
For some people with knee pain, regenerative medicine may be an option they want to explore before deciding whether to undergo major joint surgery. That does not mean stem cell therapy is an appropriate replacement for knee surgery in every patient.
Some knee conditions may require surgical treatment, and patients with severe joint damage may still ultimately need knee replacement.
The more useful question is:
Which options are appropriate for my knee condition, health and goals?
At KRMC, the first step is an evaluation to determine whether you may be a candidate for regenerative medicine.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Your Knee Pain Treatment Options
Before choosing any treatment for chronic knee pain, consider asking:
- What is causing my knee pain?
- How advanced is the damage to my knee?
- What non-surgical treatments have I already tried?
- What are the potential benefits and risks of each option?
- What should I realistically expect after treatment?
- How much downtime should I anticipate?
- What will my expected out-of-pocket cost be?
- Could I still need knee replacement surgery in the future?
There isn't one answer that's right for every person. Understanding your diagnosis and available options can help you make a more informed decision.
Explore Your Options for Knee Pain in Kansas
If chronic knee pain is interfering with your mobility or quality of life and you're interested in exploring options before knee replacement surgery, Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center can help you learn more about regenerative medicine.
KRMC provides personalized evaluations for patients interested in stem cell therapy for knees and other orthopedic concerns.
You can also find out if you may be a candidate before scheduling a consultation.
Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center serves patients in Manhattan and Kansas City, Kansas, as well as patients who travel from throughout Kansas and the surrounding region.
Call 844-320-4700 to learn more.
Individual results vary. Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine are not guaranteed to relieve pain or eliminate the need for future medical or surgical treatment.
