PRP vs Stem Cell Injections for Knee Arthritis: Hype, Evidence and the True Cost in India

Should You Consider PRP or Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis?

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a proven treatment for severe osteoarthritis. But it’s invasive, expensive, and not the first choice for many. With the rise of regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections, patients are now exploring minimally invasive alternatives to knee surgery.

Are these therapies backed by science, or just the latest healthcare trend?

This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to compare the efficacy, cost, and outcomes of PRP vs stem cell therapy in India, helping you make an informed decision.

Why Regenerative Therapies Matter for Knee Osteoarthritis in India

Over 40 million Indians suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), especially among the middle-aged and elderly. While total knee replacement surgery offers relief, it also comes with:

• ₹2–3 lakh cost per knee
• Months of recovery and physiotherapy
• Up to 6% revision rate within five years

As a result, many seek pain relief alternatives that delay or eliminate the need for surgery. This is where regenerative medicine comes in.

Understanding PRP and Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain

Both PRP and stem cell injections fall under the umbrella of regenerative treatments. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what each involves:

PRP vs Stem Cell Therapy: What the Research Shows

Evidence for PRP

• Multiple meta-analyses (40+ RCTs) suggest PRP is as effective—if not more so—than hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids for knee OA.
• Benefits include reduced pain and improved function, often lasting up to 12 months.

Evidence for Stem Cell Therapy

• MSCs from bone marrow or fat also show significant improvements in pain and joint function.
• Bone marrow-derived cells perform slightly better over two years compared to fat-derived ones.

Direct Comparison

• A 2022 head-to-head randomised trial found no significant difference between PRP and MSC injections in terms of pain relief or functional improvement over two years.

Bottom line: PRP and stem cell injections offer comparable outcomes, though stem cell therapy is far more expensive.

PRP and Stem Cell Injection Costs in India (2025)

Cost remains a major deciding factor. Here's a breakdown of the estimated total expenditure:

Why Is Stem Cell Therapy More Expensive?

• Requires sterile processing labs, surgical extraction, and sometimes lab-grown cell expansion.
• Allogeneic products like StemOne™ avoid cell harvesting but still require regulatory-grade processing.

PRP vs Stem Cell Injections: Decision Checklist for Indian Patients

Before choosing between PRP and MSC therapy, consider the following:

1. Severity of Osteoarthritis

• Mild to moderate OA responds better to regenerative treatments.
• Bone-on-bone OA may see only temporary improvement.

2. Budget Constraints

• PRP is significantly more affordable (under ₹50,000 for most).
• MSC treatments can cost upwards of ₹4 lakh, especially with booster sessions.

3. Clinic Expertise

• Ask for ultrasound-guided or arthroscopy-guided injections.
• Check the number of procedures the doctor performs monthly.

4. Regulatory Approvals

• PRP is classified under “minimal manipulation” and widely permitted.
• For MSCs, insist on CDSCO-approved or NABL-accredited labs/products.

5. Holistic Joint Care

For long-term success, combine injections with:

• Quadriceps and glute strengthening
• Vitamin D optimisation
• Weight management
• Supportive footwear

Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before PRP or MSC Therapy

1. How many PRP or stem cell procedures have you done for knee arthritis?
2. What grade is my knee arthritis based on X-ray or MRI?
3. How long is relief expected to last based on my case?
4. Can I still opt for a total knee replacement later if needed?
5. What is the all-inclusive cost, including follow-up consultations and physiotherapy?

Final Takeaway: PRP vs Stem Cell for Knee OA

For Indian patients with knee osteoarthritis, PRP offers the most cost-effective and evidence-backed option for pain relief and function improvement.

• Stem cell therapy is still evolving, expensive, and lacks clear superiority.
• Until new large-scale data tips the scales, PRP remains the better value.
• Regardless of the injection chosen, embed it in a full care plan with rehab, diet, and routine monitoring.

Looking for other ways to manage joint pain naturally? Explore our related guides:

• Alternatives to Total Knee Replacement
• Top Exercises for Joint Support

References

• PMC – Burden of Knee Osteoarthritis in Rural India
• Moneycontrol – Stem Cell Therapy Cost
• Yashoda Hospitals – PRP Cost in India
• Credihealth – PRP Cost in Bangalore
• R3 Stem Cell India – Cost Estimates
• Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2025) – Systematic Review
• PubMed – PRP vs BMAC Equivalence Study
• PMC – PRP vs Steroids Network Meta-Analysis
• New India Assurance – Modern Treatment Rider

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