Intra-articular injection is an outpatient procedure; patients leave the same day and typically resume walking within 24–48 hours. Full functional assessment takes 6–12 weeks as the cells integrate and inflammatory markers subside. Return to high-impact activities (running, jumping) is usually discouraged for 8–12 weeks post-injection.
Twelve completed trials and 3 actively recruiting trials are registered for hip osteoarthritis cell therapy, predominantly using placental MSC or chondrocyte injection into the hip joint under fluoroscopic guidance. Trial cohorts span mild-to-moderate radiographic OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2–3) and include both primary OA and post-traumatic arthritis. Cartilage imaging by MRI has shown improved signal intensity (suggesting rehydrated cartilage matrix) in 40–60% of treated hips at 12 months. Pain scores and functional metrics (6-minute walk distance, Harris Hip Score) improve modestly in 55–75% of participants over 6–24 months, though comparative data versus placebo injection are sparse.
Am I a candidate? → · Hip Osteoarthritis: full overview → · Hip Osteoarthritis cost → · Cost →
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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