Intra-articular injections are outpatient procedures requiring 20–30 minutes. Post-injection swelling and mild joint effusion are common for 24–72 hours; ice and activity restriction during this window reduce symptoms. Crutches or weight-off-load are rarely needed. Return to light activity is possible within 3–5 days; formal physiotherapy typically begins week 2 post-injection. Full weight-bearing exercise resumes over 4–8 weeks. Overall, downtime is minimal—most patients resume normal gait and activities within 1–2 weeks.
Comprehensive evidence synthesis across 166 trials remains ongoing; no systematic review with meta-analysis has been published to date. Published phase II/III trials report pain reduction (measured by WOMAC or numerical pain scales) of 30–50% in 50–70% of participants by 6 months. Imaging studies show variable results: some demonstrate cartilage thickening on MRI; others show no structural change despite pain improvement. Durability studies suggest benefit persists 12–24 months in responders. Comparative trials versus hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injection show modest superiority of cell-based therapy. Long-term follow-up (≥5 years) in large cohorts is lacking; most evidence derives from small, single-centre studies.
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Medically reviewed by StemCellAtlas’s editorial team with Dr Tymur Lukyanenko (Orthopaedic Traumatologist · 20+ yrs clinical, 15+ yrs cell therapy) of partner clinic Stem Plus (Sofia), against ISSCR, FDA & EMA guidance. Educational information, not medical advice; figures indicative.
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