Yes, osteoarthritis of the knee can be treated with knee stem cell therapy, provided there is still sufficient remaining cartilage and no severe deformity is present. The therapy targets the inflammatory processes that cause pain and supports tissue regeneration. However, it does not replace total joint replacement in end-stage osteoarthritis; rather, it primarily serves to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Many patients report less pain when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising following stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. This treatment yields particularly good results in cases of early- to moderate-stage osteoarthritis, meniscal degeneration, or irritation-related knee joint symptoms. During a detailed consultation, we will assess whether your symptoms are suitable for this procedure or whether a combination with denervation and osteoarthritis therapy might be appropriate.

Stem cell therapy for the knee is performed at the ROC under local anesthesia. You may feel a slight pressure or brief tugging sensation during the collection of cells from blood, fatty tissue, or ear cartilage. The injection into the knee joint is similar to a standard joint injection. After the treatment, you may experience some tightness or mild pain, which will subside within a few days and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The duration of the effects of knee stem cell therapy depends on age, activity level, the severity of osteoarthritis, and any underlying medical conditions. In many cases, the positive effects on pain and function last for several years. Experience with ear cartilage and autologous fat procedures shows that, in suitable patient groups, the effects last three to five years or longer. Repeat treatment or combination with other orthobiological procedures remains an option if the effects wear off.

The cost of stem cell therapy for knee joints depends primarily on the procedure chosen (whether the stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own blood, fat, or ear cartilage) and on whether one or more joints are being treated.

The following guidelines apply at ROC: See the cost overview

Depending on the procedure and your individual treatment plan, the costs include diagnostics, cell collection, processing, and injection. After a personal consultation, we will provide you with a transparent cost estimate.

Important: Statutory health insurance plans generally do not currently cover this service, as it is considered an elective medical procedure. For those with private health insurance or government-subsidized coverage, it may be advisable to submit a prior request along with a cost estimate to determine whether reimbursement is possible.

Currently, knee stem cell therapy is not covered under the standard benefits package of public health insurance plans. The treatment is provided on a self-pay basis. Private health insurance plans and supplemental insurance plans review claims on a case-by-case basis; some plans reimburse orthobiological therapies either partially or in full. Upon request, we can assist you in preparing the necessary documentation for your insurance provider.

In the field of osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy refers to a biological procedure in which the body’s own regenerative cells are injected into the affected joint—such as the knee. The stem cells release anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerating signaling molecules, thereby improving the joint environment. Combined with consistent exercise therapy and weight management, this creates a holistic approach that reduces pain and supports joint function.

For many patients with knee osteoarthritis, meniscus damage, or symptoms of overuse, knee stem cell therapy is a useful supplement or alternative to traditional treatments. It is particularly suitable for people who wish to avoid or postpone procedures such as arthroscopy or knee replacement and who lead an active lifestyle. We will determine whether this procedure is suitable for your knee joint during a personal consultation at ROC Aschheim.

Analysis of recent studies and our clinical experience suggest that stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis noticeably improves pain and daily functioning. The effects often become apparent gradually in the months following the injection, as the biological processes in the joint take effect. The therapy is not a miracle cure, but when carefully indicated and combined with appropriate exercise therapy, it achieves very solid results—especially in cases of early- and moderate-stage knee osteoarthritis.