your body attacks the donor cells (called an immune reaction).There are possible risks when donor stem cells are used. Some stem cell treatments use stem cells donated from other people’s tissues (called allogeneic MSCs). Most injection-based treatments use a patient’s own MSCs (called autologous MSCs) taken from their bone marrow or fat. Research to date shows that stem cell treatments using a patient’s own cells tend to be safe for OA. where the procedure is done (this needs to happen in a very clean and sterile place).how the stem cells are prepared before they are put into the body.The safety of a stem cell treatment highly depends on: Are stem cell treatments safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis?

This lab-made tissue can then be put into a joint to help rebuild (repair) damaged bone, ligaments, and cartilage. Stem cells can also be used to make an artificial tissue in a lab through a process called tissue engineering. When they are injected into a joint, some studies show they may help relieve pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Research shows that MSCs release anti-inflammatory factors that help heal and lessen pain. This is why researchers are studying MSCs in stem cell treatments for OA. MSCs are able to turn into cartilage, bone, muscle, tendon, ligaments, or fat, depending on the type of tissue that surrounds them. Researchers can easily collect them from fat or bone marrow. Most stem cells used for the experimental treatment of OA are adult MSCs. Researchers are studying stem cells to find out: More research is needed before stem cells can become a standard treatment for OA. In Alberta, using stem cells to treat OA only happens in research studies. Treating OA with stem cells is still experimental (under study).

Stem cells are not an approved treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) in Canada.

Embryonic stem cells are found in embryos (not used in the treatment of osteoarthritis).Ĭan stem cells be used to treat osteoarthritis?.

These stem cells are also called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow, fat, blood, joints, and many other tissues.

Stem cell therapy for knees