Can a torn meniscus heal without surgery?

It depends on the tear. The outer part of the meniscus has a blood supply and some capacity to heal; the inner part has very little. Your MRI tells our physicians which kind of tear you have and whether treatment is appropriate.

Is this an alternative to arthroscopy?

For some patients with partial or degenerative tears it may be. For others, particularly with a tear that locks the knee, surgery remains the right choice. Our physicians tell you which they believe applies to you.

How is the treatment given?

As a targeted injection into the knee, sometimes combined with intravenous delivery, in a single visit to our licensed clinic in San José.

When might I notice a change?

Responses vary with the type, location and age of the tear. Some patients report changes within weeks; others over several months.

Who is not a candidate?

Active infection, certain cancers, a knee that is mechanically locked, and some other conditions rule treatment out. Your medical review determines candidacy, not this page.

Meniscus Tear Stem Cell Treatment | Cellebration Wellness

How stem cell therapy may help with a meniscus tear

The meniscus is the crescent of cartilage that cushions and steadies the knee. When it tears, the knee swells, stiffens and can catch mid-step. Physical therapy, medication and cortisone ease the symptoms. For many patients the relief does not last, and surgery removes tissue rather than restoring it.

Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in and around the torn tissue.
Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
Treatment is delivered directly into the knee in a single session, with no incision.
Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
The protocol is written for your tear, your imaging and your goals.

Concerns to discuss with your care team

Pain along the joint line

On the inner or outer side of the knee, often the first sign of a tear.

Swelling and stiffness

Fluid that builds after activity and a knee that no longer straightens or bends fully.

Catching or locking

A knee that hesitates mid-motion, or sticks and has to be worked free.

A knee you no longer trust

Stairs, slopes and uneven ground approached with care instead of ease.

Who may be a candidate

Adults with a partial, complex or degenerative meniscus tear confirmed by MRI, who have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, medication or injections, may be evaluated. This includes patients for whom arthroscopy has been suggested but who would prefer to explore a non-surgical option first. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history and imaging, never by a form.

Treatment is not offered where the knee is mechanically locked, where there is active infection, certain cancers, or other conditions identified in review.

What to expect

1. Evaluation

A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records and knee MRI.

2. Treatment plan

Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.

3. Treatment in San José

Travel and stay arranged for you. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.

4. Follow-up care

Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home.

Investment

Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.

The Cellebration approach

Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.

Meniscus Tear