Stem Cell Therapy for Cartilage and Joint Damage
Treatments
In stem cell therapy, also known as SVF therapy, the body’s own fatty tissue is removed, processed by centrifugation, and the regenerative cells obtained from it (stromal vascular fraction, SVF) are injected into the affected joint. It can be considered as a regenerative treatment option for selected cartilage and joint conditions. Whether the therapy is appropriate depends, among other things, on the affected joint, the extent of the damage, and the individual findings. The scientific evidence varies depending on the condition, cell type, and the procedure used. A thorough examination and diagnosis are therefore prerequisites for a sound treatment decision.
Dr Gregor Pittl assesses whether stem cell therapy is an option for the individual findings and what therapeutic goal is realistic. Stem cell therapy is a self-pay service to be borne privately.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Specialist in Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
For which conditions might stem cell therapy be considered?
Stem cell therapy can be considered as a regenerative treatment option for selected musculoskeletal conditions. Which treatment is appropriate always depends on the specific diagnosis, the condition of the affected tissue, and the individual initial situation.
Cartilage Damage
For certain cartilage injuries, regenerative therapy may be considered as a possible treatment option. If you would like to learn more about causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can find further information on our Cartilage Damage page.
Joint Wear and Degenerative Changes
For selected degenerative joint conditions, the use of cell-based therapies is being scientifically investigated. A systematic review from 2025 evaluated 17 randomised studies with a total of 972 patients in the cell therapy groups and 651 patients in the control groups. However, the cell types and procedures used differed significantly. The results are therefore not automatically transferable to every stem cell therapy and every condition. To the systematic review.
The current Cochrane review from 2025 concludes that stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis may slightly improve pain and function. However, the certainty of the evidence is rated as low, and the effects on the structural progression of osteoarthritis remain unclear.
When might stem cell therapy be appropriate?
Stem cell therapy can be considered as a treatment option if symptoms are caused by specific cartilage or joint damage and the individual prerequisites for regenerative therapy are met.
Whether the treatment is appropriate depends, among other things, on:
- the precise diagnosis
- the extent and type of tissue damage
- the affected joint
- the duration and severity of symptoms
- previous treatments
- general health status
- individual expectations of the treatment
The Austrian health information on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis describes regenerative procedures as an area where, among other things, stem or cartilage cells can be used. However, which treatment is appropriate in individual cases depends on the specific diagnosis and the individual findings.
The AWMF-S3 guideline on gonarthrosis also shows that the treatment of degenerative joint diseases must be assessed based on individual findings and various therapy options. Not every patient with osteoarthritis or cartilage damage is automatically suitable for stem cell therapy.
Procedure
Examination and Initial Consultation
The process begins with a detailed discussion and an orthopaedic examination. This involves discussing the symptoms, their development, previous treatments, and individual stresses.
Diagnosis and Findings
For a sound treatment decision, the cause of the symptoms must be known as precisely as possible. Depending on the question, existing findings are evaluated and, if necessary, further diagnostic examinations are arranged. The AWMF-S3 guideline on gonarthrosis emphasises the importance of an individual diagnostic and therapeutic assessment for degenerative joint diseases.
Individual Suitability Assessment
Based on the diagnosis, it is assessed whether stem cell therapy is medically suitable for the individual findings. Possible alternatives, existing scientific evidence, and the limitations of the treatment are also considered. Precisely because the cell types and procedures investigated in scientific studies differ significantly, results cannot be generally applied to every stem cell therapy. The Cochrane review on stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis therefore rates the current evidence as partially uncertain.
Individual Treatment Planning
If the prerequisites for treatment are met, the further procedure is planned individually. The specific procedure, the treatment goal, and aftercare depend on the respective condition and personal situation.
Insight into the Mechanism
The treatment uses the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from the body’s own fatty tissue. The process usually involves three steps:
- Extraction: Under local anaesthesia, Dr. Pittl removes a small amount of fatty tissue, usually from the abdomen, hip, or thigh.
- Preparation: The fatty tissue is processed using a special centrifugation procedure. The regenerative cells (SVF) are separated from the other components.
- Injection: The extracted SVF is injected into the affected joint to support the body’s own regeneration process.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.
Treatment and Aftercare
After treatment, the further course is monitored. Usually, one treatment is sufficient. Depending on the condition, adapted loading, physiotherapy, or other accompanying measures may be part of the aftercare.
Combination with Autologous Blood Therapy (ACP)
Depending on the findings, stem cell therapy can be combined with autologous blood therapy (ACP). Both procedures use the body’s own resources to support tissue regeneration. Whether a combination is appropriate is assessed during the individual examination. You can find more about autologous blood therapy (ACP) on our page Autologous Blood Therapy (ACP).
Risks and Limitations of Stem Cell Therapy
As with any medical treatment, stem cell therapy also carries potential risks and limitations. These depend on the specific procedure, the treated body region, and the individual medical situation.
The current Cochrane review on stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis indicates that the safety data remain uncertain. Although serious adverse events were rarely reported in the studies examined, the long-term effects are not fully clarified.
Stem cell therapy cannot guarantee a specific improvement or cure. The effects on the structural progression of knee osteoarthritis are also rated as unclear in the current evidence. The potential benefits, risks, and alternatives should therefore be discussed individually before treatment.
Make an appointment at our practice.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Is stem cell therapy suitable for you?
Whether stem cell therapy is suitable for your symptoms can only be decided after an individual examination and assessment of the findings.
Arrange an appointment for a personal clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
For which conditions can stem cell therapy be used?
Stem cell therapy can be considered as a treatment option for selected musculoskeletal disorders. Whether it is appropriate depends on the specific diagnosis, the condition of the affected tissue, and the individual medical situation.
Is stem cell therapy suitable for every patient?
No. Not every patient with cartilage damage, joint wear, or another orthopaedic condition is automatically suitable for stem cell therapy. Suitability must be assessed based on the diagnosis and individual findings.
Can stem cell therapy replace surgery?
That depends on the individual findings. In certain situations, regenerative treatment can represent a possible conservative treatment option. Whether surgery can be avoided or delayed as a result cannot be predicted in general terms.
Can stem cell therapy heal cartilage damage?
Complete healing or restoration of cartilage cannot be guaranteed outright. The possible treatment outcomes depend, among other factors, on the procedure used, the type and extent of the cartilage damage, and the individual’s specific circumstances.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment in which, depending on the procedure, cells or cell components are used to support the body’s own regenerative processes. The specific method and its scientific evidence depend on the respective procedure and the condition being treated.
What are the risks of stem cell therapy?
Possible risks depend on the specific procedure. These may include, among others, temporary pain, swelling, bleeding, inflammation, or infections. An inadequate response to the treatment is also possible.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Before treatment, a thorough examination and diagnostic assessment are carried out. It is then assessed whether the therapy is suitable. The specific procedure, treatment, and aftercare are planned individually.
