Meniscus Tears Without Surgery: Outcomes with Stem Cell Therapy
For many active adults, a meniscus tear means pain with squats, stairs, or sport. When rest, physical therapy, or corticosteroid shots fall short, image-guided stem cell therapy for meniscus tear may help reduce pain and support healing—potentially avoiding or delaying surgery in appropriately selected patients.
Understanding Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage pad that cushions the knee. Tears can occur with twisting injuries or gradual wear. Symptoms include joint-line pain, swelling, clicking, and reduced tolerance to running or squatting. Traditional care ranges from activity modification and physical therapy to injections and arthroscopic surgery.
What Is Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy?
At Cellular Regeneration Clinic, we use ethically sourced, allogeneic (donor) stem cells derived from healthy, full-term umbilical cords.
These umbilical cords come from screened, consenting mothers who deliver via scheduled C-section. The tissue is processed in certified laboratories that follow strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and FDA/COFEPRIS safety standards.
How MSCs May Help
- Anti-inflammatory signaling to calm the joint environment.
- Tissue support through growth factors that encourage matrix remodeling.
- Biologic crosstalk that can recruit local repair cells and optimize healing when paired with rehab.
Who Is a Candidate?
| ✅ Well-Suited for MSCs | ⚠️ Consider Surgical Opinion |
|---|---|
| Stable, non-locking tears (e.g., degenerative, longitudinal, small radial) | Locked bucket-handle tears with mechanical obstruction |
| Persistent pain ≥ 6–12 weeks despite PT and activity changes | Advanced osteoarthritis with major malalignment |
| Desire to avoid or postpone arthroscopy | Infection, uncontrolled diabetes, or bleeding disorders |
Every knee is unique. A CRC specialist will review your MRI and health history to ensure safe, appropriate recommendations.
What to Expect on Treatment Day
- Consult & Imaging Review: We confirm the pain generator and discuss goals.
- Ultrasound-Guided Injection: Targeted delivery to meniscal and capsular regions; local anesthesia used for comfort.
- Same-Day Discharge: You leave with step-by-step rehab instructions.
Expected Outcomes
- Many patients report reduced pain and swelling within weeks.
- Functional gains—such as longer walking tolerance and easier stairs—often build over 2–6 months.
- In carefully selected cases, MSC therapy may delay or avoid arthroscopy. Individual results vary.
Recovery & Rehab Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Protect | Week 0–2 | Relative rest, short walks, edema control; avoid deep squats/twists. |
| Mobilize | Week 3–6 | Range-of-motion, quad activation, glute/hip stability. |
| Strengthen | Week 7–12 | Progressive loading, balance drills, step-downs, cycling. |
| Return | Month 3–6 | Sport-specific drills; test-retest with your therapist. |
MSCs vs. Arthroscopy: Key Differences
| Metric | MSC Injection | Arthroscopic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local | General or regional |
| Downtime | 1–3 days light activity | 1–3 weeks depending on procedure |
| Approach | Biologic modulation & remodeling | Mechanical debridement/repair |
| Repeatability | Possible | Generally one-time |
| Rehab Emphasis | Hip-knee alignment, strength, proprioception | Post-op protection then progressive loading |
Why Choose CRC
- COFEPRIS-licensed processing and strict sterile technique.
- Image-guided knee injections by experienced physicians.
- Integrated team—orthopedics, experts—under one roof.
- Convenient Tijuana location, 40 minutes from San Diego Airport.
Meet Our Medical Team
Learn more about our physicians, interventionalists, and rehabilitation specialists who perform image-guided knee injections and oversee your recovery plan from consultation through rehab.
Inside Our Clinic
Tour our modern treatment rooms, imaging suite, and patient amenities located minutes from the San Diego border. See how we prioritize comfort, safety, and efficient care flows.
Our In‑House, COFEPRIS‑Licensed Lab
Discover how your autologous cells are processed in a controlled environment—from harvest to ultrasound‑guided injection—to help maintain quality and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will MSC therapy heal my meniscus completely?
Goals include reducing pain, improving function, and supporting tissue health. Some tears may still require surgery. Your CRC provider will discuss realistic expectations.
How many injections will I need?
Many patients receive one treatment; a booster may be considered based on goals and response.
Is the procedure safe?
Most patients experience temporary soreness at harvest or injection sites. Serious complications are rare but possible with any procedure. We screen carefully for safety.
This article is informational and does not replace professional medical advice. For personal guidance, please schedule a consultation with a CRC specialist. Cuando tenga dudas específicas sobre su salud, con gusto consultaremos con un especialista de CRC.
