Patient question

Can PRP or stem cell injections regrow knee cartilage?

Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Quick answer

No injection has been shown to regrow worn cartilage in an arthritic knee. PRP may ease pain in some people with mild to moderate arthritis, and stem cell injections remain largely experimental. Be cautious of claims of reversal or cure, advises Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha, Qatar.

Myth: PRP rebuilds cartilage

PRP concentrates growth factors from your own blood. In the laboratory these can influence cartilage cells, which is where the idea of regrowth comes from. In people, however, studies have not shown meaningful regrowth of cartilage on scans after PRP. Where PRP helps, it appears to do so mainly by reducing inflammation and pain, often for several months. That can be worthwhile, but it is different from repairing the joint.

Myth: stem cells can replace a worn knee

Many injections marketed as "stem cells" contain few true stem cells; they are often concentrated bone marrow or fat tissue. Research is ongoing, and some small studies report pain improvement, but there is no reliable evidence that these injections rebuild cartilage or prevent the need for knee replacement in established arthritis. Quality, preparation and regulation vary widely between countries and clinics, and they can be expensive.

What can genuinely restore cartilage

For a localised cartilage defect, usually in a younger patient after an injury rather than in widespread arthritis, surgical cartilage restoration techniques can repair or replace the damaged area. These include microfracture-based techniques, osteochondral grafts and cell-based implants. They are surgical procedures with careful selection and long rehabilitation, not injections.

Making a careful decision

If you have read about regenerative injections online or heard about them from friends, bring the information to your appointment. At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber will review your scans, explain what is realistically achievable for your knee, and discuss evidence-based options, from exercise and weight management to injections, osteotomy, partial or total replacement.

Frequently asked questions

My scan after PRP looked the same. Did it fail?

Not necessarily. PRP is not expected to change cartilage on scans. Whether it helped is judged by your pain and function.

Are stem cell injections available in Qatar?

Availability and regulation of cell-based treatments change over time. Any treatment should be provided under Ministry of Public Health licensing; ask your doctor about its status and evidence.