Meniscus Tears Without Surgery: Outcomes with MSCs
When rest, physical therapy, or corticosteroid shots aren’t enough, some patients ask if they can manage a meniscus tear without surgery. At Cellular Regeneration Clinic (CRC), we offer ultrasound‑guided injections of donor‑derived (allogeneic) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosomes processed in our COFEPRIS‑licensed lab—no patient harvest required. The goal is to calm inflammation, support tissue health, and help you return to activity safely.
Understanding Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C‑shaped shock absorber that stabilizes the knee and spreads load. Tears happen acutely (twist, pivot) or develop over time with degeneration. Symptoms commonly include joint‑line pain, swelling, catching, or reduced tolerance to stairs and squats.
Why Consider MSC Therapy for a Meniscus Tear?
- Anti‑inflammatory signaling that can quiet the joint environment and reduce swelling.
- Matrix support via growth factors and exosomes that encourage tissue remodeling.
- Biologic crosstalk with surrounding cells—especially effective when paired with a structured rehab plan.
Note: Results vary. MSC therapy is not a guaranteed cure and does not replace medical care from your orthopedist or primary physician.
Who May Be a Candidate?
| ✅ Well‑Suited for MSCs | ⚠️ Consider Surgical/Ortho Opinion |
|---|---|
| Stable, non‑locking tears (degenerative, longitudinal, small radial) | Locked bucket‑handle tears with mechanical obstruction |
| Persistent pain ≥ 6–12 weeks despite PT and activity changes | Advanced osteoarthritis or major malalignment |
| Desire to avoid or postpone arthroscopy | Active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders |
Every knee is unique. A CRC specialist will review your MRI, exam, and goals to advise safely.
What We Use at CRC
CRC does not harvest stem cells from patients. We use allogeneic umbilical‑cord–derived MSCs and exosomes from rigorously screened donors, prepared in our COFEPRIS‑licensed in‑house lab. Each lot includes a certificate of purity, viability, and cell count.
Typical approach: ultrasound‑guided injection to meniscal and peri‑meniscal targets. Protocols are personalized; when appropriate, we may combine MSCs with exosomes.
Treatment Day: Step by Step
- Consult & planning — confirm candidacy, review MRI, set goals.
- Cell preparation — donor‑derived MSCs/exosomes are selected, thawed, and prepared; documentation is reviewed with you.
- Ultrasound‑guided injection — targeted delivery to the meniscus and capsule under local anesthesia.
- Recovery briefing — same‑day discharge with a progressive rehab plan.
Expected Outcomes
- Pain and swelling often lessen within weeks; tissue remodeling continues over months.
- Function (stairs, walking tolerance, sport drills) typically improves over 2–6 months with rehab.
- In appropriately selected cases, MSC therapy may help delay or avoid arthroscopy. Individual results vary.
Recovery & Rehab Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Protect | Week 0–2 | Relative rest, edema control; avoid deep squats/twists. |
| Mobilize | Week 3–6 | ROM, quad activation, hip/glute stability. |
| Strengthen | Week 7–12 | Progressive loading, balance drills, cycling. |
| Return | Month 3–6 | Sport‑specific work; test‑retest with your therapist. |
MSCs vs. Arthroscopy vs. Steroid/PRP
| Metric | MSC Injection | Arthroscopy | Steroid / PRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local | General or regional | Local |
| Downtime | 1–3 days light activity | 1–3 weeks depending on repair | 1–2 days |
| Approach | Biologic modulation & remodeling | Mechanical debridement/repair | Anti‑inflammatory / growth‑factor boost |
| Repeatability | Possible | Generally one‑time | Possible |
Why Choose CRC
- COFEPRIS‑licensed in‑house lab; donor screening and lot documentation.
- Ultrasound‑guided knee procedures by experienced physicians.
- Integrated team—orthopedics, radiology, and rehabilitation—under one roof.
- Convenient Tijuana location, 20 minutes from San Diego Airport.
Meet Our Medical Team
Get to know the specialists who evaluate candidacy, perform imaging‑guided injections, and coach your recovery.
Inside Our Clinic
Tour our modern treatment rooms and patient amenities designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Our In‑House, COFEPRIS‑Licensed Lab
Learn how donor‑derived MSCs and exosomes are screened, prepared, and documented before your procedure—no patient harvest required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will MSC therapy heal my meniscus completely?
Goals include reducing pain, improving function, and supporting tissue health. Some tears still require surgery. Your CRC provider will discuss realistic expectations after reviewing your imaging.
How many injections will I need?
Many patients receive one treatment and reassess at follow‑up; boosters may be considered based on progress and goals.
Is there downtime?
Most people resume desk work within 1–3 days. You’ll follow a staged rehab plan to guide activity and protect healing.
Is it safe?
Temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site is common. Serious complications are uncommon but possible with any procedure. We screen carefully and perform injections with sterile technique under ultrasound guidance.
This article is educational and not a medical diagnosis or treatment plan. Please contact a CRC specialist for personalized guidance—con gusto consultaremos con un especialista de CRC.
