How does stem cell therapy work?

Experts are still studying the exact mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness of stem cell therapy. Based on current knowledge, stem cells influence (modulate) the body’s healing response and inflammation, promoting the healthy formation of new tissues.

What are stem cells?

Bone marrow is located within the inner, spongy part of the bone. This spongy tissue produces blood cells and contains the so-called stem cells, which are undeveloped or “primitive” cells. These cells can transform into various other types of cells and tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, or even blood vessels. However, their main function during treatment is to orchestrate and regulate inflammatory processes like a “conductor in an orchestra”, rather than to transform into cartilage or tendon tissue.

How are stem cells collected?

Stem cell harvesting is usually performed under general anesthesia but can also be done with local anesthesia. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the pelvic bone under ultrasound guidance, and the marrow is aspirated using a syringe.
After this, the stem cell concentrate is prepared using a specially designed centrifuge. The quality and concentration of the stem cells depend on the harvesting technique and the centrifugation process.

In what conditions can stem cell therapy be used?

Benefits of stem cell (BMC) therapy:

  • Improves joint degeneration (arthrosis) and joint inflammation (arthritis)
  • Promotes wound healing
  • Supports healing of spinal intervertebral discs
  • Improves cartilage function
  • Improves ligament function
  • Slows disease progression

When is the procedure not recommended?

There are no absolute contraindications apart from active systemic infections.

What complications can occur?

Complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection, or persistent pain.
To minimize risks, the procedure is performed under ultrasound and X-ray guidance, often with antibiotic prophylaxis and adjustment or temporary discontinuation of blood-thinning medications if needed.

What to expect during the procedure?

The aspiration and preparation of stem cells take approximately 40 minutes.
The total duration depends on the treatment site.
The injection of stem cells is usually performed under mild sedation.

For example:

  • Knee osteoarthritis treatment is performed in the clinic under ultrasound guidance and takes about 1 hour.
  • Spinal disc treatments are performed in an operating room under X-ray guidance and take 1–2 hours.

Possible side effects of stem cell therapy

As with most medical treatments, some patients may experience side effects, while others do not. Your doctor will inform you of all potential risks.

Common, mild side effects:

  • Increased tenderness and swelling of muscles or joints (patients with stronger reactions often require fewer treatments). These symptoms typically last 2–3 days, occasionally up to 10 days.

Rare side effects:

  • Bruising-type symptoms.

Very rare side effects:

  • Fever. Some patients may develop a low-grade fever on the first day after treatment.
    A fever appearing more than 24 hours after the procedure may indicate infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.
    Since stem cells themselves have antibacterial properties, infection caused by sterilely prepared stem cells is extremely rare.

Possible risks

Stem cell therapy does not worsen the patient’s condition in the long term, except if a complication occurs during the injection itself (such as bleeding or infection).
Other complications depend on the treated area, for example:

Hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist:

  • Nerve or vessel injury

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine:

  • Low blood pressure, pneumothorax, spinal headache, nerve or vessel injury, paralysis, death (extremely rare)

To minimize these risks, our institution always performs high-risk procedures under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance.

How should the patient prepare for stem cell therapy?

  • Anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped 2 weeks before the procedure. This includes Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and other anti-inflammatory supplements such as herbal teas.
  • Because smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces therapy effectiveness, we strongly recommend quitting smoking.
  • The patient should arrive with an escort.
  • Since the procedure is usually done under mild sedation or general anesthesia, do not eat for 6 hours before the procedure.
  • Clear fluids (water) may be consumed up to 2 hours before, but not after.
  • Sedation may be omitted if the patient prefers.