Knee pain from osteoarthritis, meniscus wear, or cartilage damage is one of the most common reasons patients seek regenerative medicine. Stem cell therapy — primarily using bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — is offered by hundreds of orthopedic and sports medicine providers across the United States.
This page presents what the evidence actually shows — including findings that most clinic websites don't mention — so you can make an informed decision.
The most common indication. Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2–3 (moderate OA) show the strongest response. Bone-on-bone grade 4 has lower success rates — most providers will not treat it.
Partial and degenerative tears are the primary target. Full acute tears with mechanical locking typically require surgical evaluation first.
Partial ligament tears and chronic instability. Full ACL ruptures with functional instability generally require reconstruction.
Early to moderate cartilage softening and focal defects. Best results are seen before significant joint space narrowing occurs.
Clinic outcome studies tend to show positive results. Independent randomized trials are more mixed. Both matter.
Most providers charge $4,000–$12,500 per knee. The procedure is cash-pay only — Medicare and private insurance do not cover stem cell therapy for orthopedic knee conditions. Some providers offer financing.
Price varies by procedure type (BMAC vs. PRP vs. adipose-derived), imaging guidance used, and provider location. Always ask for an itemized breakdown before committing.
What type of biological product do you use — autologous bone marrow, adipose-derived, or umbilical cord?
Is the procedure image-guided (ultrasound or fluoroscopy)?
Do you have outcomes data for knee OA patients specifically?
What is my Kellgren-Lawrence grade and am I a good candidate based on it?
What does the procedure cost, and what is included in that price?
Every provider in the RegenSelect directory has been verified to offer regenerative medicine with an orthopedic focus. Filter by condition to find knee specialists near you.