Interviews with patients who underwent Joint Cartilage Regeneration using stem cells.

Interviews with patients who underwent Joint Cartilage Regeneration using stem cells.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition and a major cause of reduced work performance and quality of life.^[1] The doctors performed surgery to remove the infection. At first, we thought everything would recover. However, the infection had severely damaged his cartilage. The doctor informed us that he might need total hip replacement surgery. At that time, he was only 20 years old. The family was very stressed. An artificial hip joint lasts about 10-15 years, and we did not know how many future surgeries he might need over his lifetime. We discussed it as a family and decided to look for alternative options. My son researched stem cell therapy and shared the information with us. We came to consult at the clinic (then known as Bangkok Stem Cell).

However, approximately 7% of patients^[1] develop early-onset osteoarthritis. This may occur following infection, trauma, or joint inflammation. These patients are often younger and still rely heavily on joint function for daily activities. Joint replacement surgery, which has a limited lifespan of approximately 15 - 20 years, or advising patients to restrict their physical activity, may negatively impact both the patient’s and their family’s quality of life.

With advancements in stem cell isolation and processing technologies, stem cell therapy has been introduced as an alternative treatment option for this group of patients and for those who wish to delay joint replacement surgery. The goal is for stem cells to help regenerate damaged cartilage cells and slow the progression of joint degeneration. (See additional information regarding stem cell applications in osteoarthritis and other medical conditions.) (ดูข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเรื่องสเต็มเซลล์และโรคอื่นๆที่มีการใช้สเต็มเซลล์เข้ามาประกอบการรักษา)

A report from South Korea^[2] described two patients aged 29 and 47 years with hip osteoarthritis caused by avascular necrosis of the femoral head, as well as two patients aged 70 and 79 years with knee osteoarthritis who did not wish to undergo total knee replacement surgery. These patients received intra-articular injections of stem cells derived from their own adipose (fat) tissue, combined with artificial joint lubricant (viscosupplementation). After treatment, new bone and cartilage formation was observed in all four patients, which was considered an impressive outcome. In addition, pain levels decreased, and joint mobility improved compared to their condition before treatment.

MEDEZE would like to share the experience of a patient with hip osteoarthritis who underwent treatment with stem cell injections derived from the patient’s own adipose (fat) tissue into the hip joint. The following is an interview with Mr. Chotinai, who developed right hip osteoarthritis in his 20s after experiencing an infection in his right hip joint.

Mr. Chotinai: About a year ago, my hip pain started from my weakened physical condition. I had been receiving steroid treatment for an eye-related illness, which lowered my immune system below normal levels. I should have been more careful, but because I lacked knowledge, I continued living as usual and ate general foods. Until I became infected with Salmonella from contaminated food, I began to walk with a limp, and people around me started to notice. At first, I could still walk but could not run, and I experienced significant pain in my right hip. The symptoms gradually worsened. Eventually, I underwent an MRI scan, which revealed the presence of pus in my hip joint. I then required surgery to remove the infection (surgical drainage of the hip joint abscess).

After the surgery, my life changed significantly. I used to be very active, but I began walking with a limp. The infection had damaged my cartilage, causing persistent pain every morning, especially after heavy use of my hip the day before. I needed a cane to reduce weight-bearing on the joint. Daily life became difficult, and I could no longer go out or play sports like before.

The initial treatment option was total hip replacement. However, considering my age, it did not seem appropriate. An artificial hip joint lasts about 10–15 years and would likely require revision surgery in the future. In addition, it would not allow me to fully return to my previous lifestyle. Later, I learned about stem cell therapy as an alternative option. I contacted the clinic for evaluation and proceeded with treatment using stem cells derived from my own adipose (fat) tissue. I received the injection in May 2017. Now, 10 months after treatment, I can walk much more comfortably and live closer to normal. The morning pain that used to occur almost daily has nearly disappeared. Although my life is not exactly the same as before, being free from constant pain has greatly improved my quality of life. I would like to encourage everyone to take care of their health. Do not push your body until it breaks down and only think about treatment. Prevention and proper self-care are always better than having to fix problems later.

I would like to encourage everyone to take care of their health. Do not push your body until it breaks down and only think about treatment. Prevention and proper self-care are always better than having to fix problems later.

Mr. Chotinai’s mother: When my son was in his third year at university, he suddenly told me that he could not see clearly. We took him to Siriraj Hospital, where doctors diagnosed an immune-related condition affecting his retina. He was treated with high-dose steroids 10 tablets per day during the first two weeks. Shortly after, he began experiencing hip pain and started walking with a limp. We consulted an orthopedic specialist, and it was discovered that he had a Salmonella infection in his hip joint.

The doctors performed surgery to remove the infection. At first, we thought everything would recover. However, the infection had severely damaged his cartilage. The doctor informed us that he might need total hip replacement surgery. At that time, he was only 20 years old. The family was very stressed. An artificial hip joint lasts about 10-15 years, and we did not know how many future surgeries he might need over his lifetime. We discussed it as a family and decided to look for alternative options. My son researched stem cell therapy and shared the information with us. We came to consult at the clinic (then known as Bangkok Stem Cell).

After careful discussion, we decided to proceed with treatment using stem cells derived from his own adipose tissue. About 1-2 months after the injection, his daily joint pain disappeared. Previously, he could barely walk and required a cane due to severe pain. Now, he no longer experiences pain. The stem cell treatment helped restore the damaged cartilage. He has returned to studying and living a near-normal life, although he continues rehabilitation therapy. Today, he is much happier, and so is our family. We are very grateful to the MEDEZE Stem Cell Foundation for their support.