Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can be a real pain—literally. It’s when the cartilage in your knee wears down, causing bones to rub together, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While OA is more common in older adults, it’s becoming a problem for younger people too, especially with the rise in joint overuse, accidents, and conditions like obesity. In Vietnam, some hospitals are finding a new, innovative way to treat OA using stem cells from the patient’s own fat. It’s early, but the results are looking promising.
What’s Happening in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, clinical trials are being conducted using stem cells taken from a patient’s fat tissue to treat knee OA. According to Dr. Bui Hong Thien Khanh, head of orthopedics at the Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University Hospital, the procedure has shown effective results in several patients. The process starts with extracting about 100cc of fat from the patient’s abdomen. Once that’s done, the stem cells are isolated using a centrifuge, along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) taken from the patient’s blood.
The magic happens when these stem cells and PRP are then treated with low-energy laser therapy before being injected directly into the knee joint. This combination helps activate the stem cells, which can then turn into cartilage cells, potentially replacing the lost cartilage and stimulating regeneration.
Early Success in Vietnam
Dr. Khanh says that after six to 18 months following the procedure, his patients have experienced significant improvements. All reported reduced pain, the ability to walk normally again, and no major complications. MRIs also showed positive changes, such as thicker cartilage and less damage. In fact, he mentioned that a total of 38 patients have undergone the treatment at his hospital, and all are seeing positive outcomes. Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi is also seeing early success with similar treatments.
This approach is a huge step forward when it comes to treating knee OA, especially considering the limitations of traditional treatments like painkillers, which often only mask the symptoms, and surgeries, which carry risks and don’t always offer lasting results.
The Benefits of Using Stem Cells
One of the big reasons stem cell treatments are so promising is that they use your body’s own cells, which significantly reduces the risk of rejection. This is especially important in knee OA, where long-term joint function can be restored without relying on synthetic treatments or invasive surgeries.
What’s more, using stem cells from fat tissue is simpler and less painful than harvesting stem cells from bone marrow, which requires taking them from the pelvis. Fat cells are abundant, and the process is far less invasive. In fact, it’s a pretty straightforward procedure that offers a safe and minimally invasive way to help patients heal.
A Growing Option for OA Treatment in the U.S.
While these treatments are still in clinical trials in Vietnam and other countries like Australia, Canada, and South Korea, stem cell therapy is already making waves in the U.S. too. At the California Stem Cell Treatment Center (CSCTC), they’ve been pioneers in using stem cells to treat injuries and chronic pain for over 15 years. Founded by Dr. Elliot Lander and Dr. Mark Berman, CSCTC has helped thousands of patients recover naturally from conditions like knee OA without relying on surgeries or pain medications.
The team at CSCTC is all about helping the body heal itself with the power of stem cells. They’ve trained hundreds of clinics and physicians worldwide in their techniques, and they offer a personalized, data-backed approach that’s both safe and effective.
Why Choose Stem Cell Therapy for Knee OA?
If you’re struggling with knee OA, stem cell therapy could offer a natural solution. Instead of relying on temporary fixes or undergoing invasive surgeries, stem cell therapy focuses on stimulating your body’s own healing processes. And the best part? There’s no risk of rejection since the cells come from your own body.
At CSCTC, stem cell treatments are designed to target the root causes of pain and help repair the damaged cartilage in your knees. Whether you’re trying to avoid surgery or reduce your dependence on painkillers, stem cell therapy could provide the relief you’ve been looking for. Plus, their innovative treatments are minimally invasive, meaning you can get back to your daily activities faster.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
If knee OA is affecting your quality of life, it’s worth considering stem cell therapy as an option. The team at California Stem Cell Treatment Center can help assess your condition to see if stem cell therapy is the right fit for you. Their expertise in personalized stem cell treatments, backed by years of experience and success, makes them leaders in the field.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. With stem cell therapy, you can take control of your healing journey and get back to doing what you love. Reach out to the California Stem Cell Treatment Center today to learn more about how their innovative treatments can help you.