Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis is being studied as a regenerative treatment option for patients who continue to experience pain and mobility limitations despite conservative care. At Cell Grand Clinic in Osaka, Japan, Dr. Yuichi Wakabayashi published a peer-reviewed case report documenting one-year outcomes after intra-articular treatment with cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a patient with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis.
Cell Grand Clinic lists an MHLW-notified regenerative medicine provision plan for knee joint disorders using autologous adipose-derived stem cells, identified as Plan No. PB5260009. Treatment suitability is determined individually after medical history, symptoms, imaging findings, previous treatment, and overall health are reviewed by the treating physician.
| Clinical Detail | Published Case |
|---|---|
| Condition | Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis |
| Clinic | Cell Grand Clinic, Osaka, Japan |
| Author | Dr. Yuichi Wakabayashi |
| Cell Type | Cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) |
| Cell Dose | 100 million cells with 97.92% viability |
| Administration | Intra-articular injection into the affected knee |
| Observation Period | 12-Month (1-Year) Clinical Follow-Up |
| Publication | Cureus, 2026; 18(8): e113830 |
Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive joint condition that can cause pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and difficulty with everyday activities. Conservative care may include exercise-based rehabilitation, medication, physical therapy, and intra-articular treatments. Joint replacement may be considered when osteoarthritis becomes advanced and symptoms substantially affect quality of life.
For patients researching Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in Japan, peer-reviewed clinical evidence is important because it shows exactly what was treated, what type of cells were used, how the treatment was administered, how outcomes were measured, and how long the patient was followed.
The Cell Grand Clinic publication is a single-patient case report. It provides documented clinical information about that patient but does not establish that the same outcome will occur in every person with knee osteoarthritis.
Osaka, Japan
Cell Grand Clinic provides regenerative medicine treatments using autologous cell-based protocols. The clinic lists multiple regenerative medicine provision plans, including plans covering osteoarthritis and knee joint disorders.
Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Yuichi Wakabayashi is affiliated with the Department of Regenerative Medicine at Cell Grand Clinic in Osaka and authored the 2026 peer-reviewed case report on cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment for Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis.
Cell Grand Clinic has earned international recognition for its leadership in regenerative medicine and commitment to advancing patient-centered care. The clinic's founder, Dr. Yuichi Wakabayashi, was featured in the Business section of The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his pioneering work and innovative vision in the field of regenerative medicine.
Further demonstrating its dedication to clinical excellence, the clinic's leadership holds the prestigious American Board of Regenerative Medicine Certificate, reinforcing its reputation as an Advanced Stem Cell Clinic in Japan. Adding to these achievements, Cell Grand Clinic was recognized by Healthcare Business Review APAC as a Top Regenerative Medicine Solution in APAC for 2026, reflecting its growing influence and excellence in delivering cutting-edge regenerative healthcare solutions.
Reflecting this commitment to transparency, Dr. Wakabayashi’s one-year outcome report on adipose-derived stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Cureus in 2026 (DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113830), adding independently verifiable clinical documentation to the clinic’s growing body of research.
Symptomatic Improvement Following Intra-articular Injection of Cultured Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report With One-Year Follow-Up
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5Author: Yuichi Wakabayashi
Affiliation: Regenerative Medicine, Cell Grand Clinic, Osaka, Japan
Journal: Cureus
Year: 2026
Volume/Issue: 18(8)
Article: e113830
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113830
Dr. Yuichi Wakabayashi published a case report in Cureus in August 2026 describing a 67-year-old woman with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 osteoarthritis of the left knee. Her knee pain had progressively worsened for approximately one year, and previous hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma injections had provided only temporary relief.
The patient received an intra-articular injection of 100 million cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with reported cell viability of 97.92%. The cells were produced from the patient's own abdominal adipose tissue.
The case involved cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, meaning the cells originated from the patient's own adipose tissue before being processed and expanded for treatment.
Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 osteoarthritis of the left knee.
Autologous cells derived from the patient's abdominal adipose tissue.
100 million cultured ADMSCs with reported viability of 97.92%.
The cells were administered by intra-articular injection into the affected knee.
The publication followed pain, knee function, mobility, physical findings, and imaging over approximately 13 months. The results below describe this individual patient's outcome and should not be interpreted as guaranteed results for other patients.
| Outcome | Baseline | About 2.5 Months | About 13 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain VAS | 8 / 10 | 1 / 10 | 0 / 10 |
| JOA Knee Score | 55 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 95 / 100 |
Pain measured on the visual analogue scale decreased from 8/10 at baseline to 1/10 at approximately 2.5 months and 0/10 at approximately 13 months in this patient.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association knee score increased from 55/100 at baseline to 90/100 at approximately 2.5 months and 95/100 at approximately 13 months.
The report documented improvements in gait, range of motion, joint effusion, and MRI findings during follow-up. No serious adverse events were reported in this single case.
Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue are being investigated for their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and signaling properties. In knee osteoarthritis treatment, cultured autologous cells can be administered directly into the affected joint through an intra-articular injection.
The treatment is not intended to guarantee complete restoration of damaged cartilage. Clinical goals may include reducing symptoms and improving joint function, but response can differ according to osteoarthritis severity, joint structure, previous treatment, age, activity level, and individual health factors.
Candidacy for regenerative treatment cannot be determined from osteoarthritis grade alone. A physician must review the patient's symptoms, imaging, previous treatment, medical history, and overall joint condition before deciding whether cell-based therapy is appropriate.
Autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy involves both tissue collection and intra-articular administration. Although the published Cell Grand Clinic case reported no serious adverse events, every medical procedure carries potential risks, and an individual patient's risk profile may differ.
Patients should receive a clear explanation of expected benefits, limitations, alternatives, possible adverse events, and follow-up requirements before proceeding with treatment.
International patients can begin the assessment process before traveling to Japan. Medical records and knee imaging are reviewed to determine whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate.
| Stage | Process | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remote Medical Review | Medical history and available knee imaging are reviewed before travel. |
| 2 | Clinical Assessment in Osaka | The physician evaluates symptoms, joint condition, imaging, and treatment suitability. |
| 3 | Adipose-Tissue Collection | A small amount of abdominal adipose tissue is collected under local anesthesia for autologous cell preparation. |
| 4 | Cell Culture and Processing | The patient's adipose-derived cells are cultured and prepared before administration. |
| 5 | Knee Injection | Cultured autologous cells are administered into the affected knee through intra-articular injection. |
| 6 | Follow-Up | Clinical follow-up is used to monitor symptoms, function, safety, and treatment response. |
The Cell Grand Clinic case report is publicly indexed and provides detailed clinical documentation of the treatment protocol and follow-up outcomes.
Symptomatic Improvement Following Intra-articular Injection of Cultured Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report With One-Year Follow-Up
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5Author: Yuichi Wakabayashi
Affiliation: Regenerative Medicine, Cell Grand Clinic, Osaka, Japan
Journal: Cureus
Year: 2026
Volume/Issue: 18(8)
Article: e113830
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113830
The patient received cultured autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Autologous means the cells were derived from the patient's own body. The published treatment used 100 million cells with reported viability of 97.92%.
The published case involved Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 osteoarthritis of the left knee. Grade 3 generally represents established structural osteoarthritis with definite joint-space narrowing and osteophyte formation.
In this patient, the pain VAS score decreased from 8/10 at baseline to 1/10 at approximately 2.5 months and 0/10 at approximately 13 months. The JOA knee score increased from 55/100 to 90/100 and later 95/100. These results apply to one patient and should not be considered guaranteed outcomes.
No treatment outcome in a single case report establishes a cure for knee osteoarthritis. The Cell Grand Clinic report documents symptom and functional improvement in one patient, but treatment response varies and complete cartilage restoration cannot be guaranteed.
Potential risks include pain or swelling after injection, bruising or bleeding at the adipose-tissue collection site, infection, inflammatory reactions, and complications associated with tissue collection or local anesthesia. Treatment may also provide limited or no symptom improvement. The published Cell Grand Clinic case reported no serious adverse events.
Suitability depends on the patient's symptoms, osteoarthritis severity, imaging findings, previous treatments, medical history, and overall joint condition. The published case involved Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis, but treatment candidacy must be determined through individual physician assessment.
International patients can begin with a remote review of their medical history and available knee imaging. If the case is suitable for further evaluation, an in-person assessment at Cell Grand Clinic can be arranged before the treatment plan is finalized.
Regenerative treatment does not automatically eliminate future orthopedic treatment options. Patients whose osteoarthritis continues to progress should remain under orthopedic care and discuss appropriate conservative or surgical options according to their symptoms and joint condition.
If you are considering stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis in Japan, your medical history and knee imaging can be reviewed before treatment planning. A physician can determine whether regenerative treatment may be appropriate for your condition and explain the expected benefits, limitations, and risks.
Request a Medical ReviewMedical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment planning. The clinical results described above come from a single published case and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of benefit for other patients. Treatment eligibility, expected outcomes, risks, and alternative options should be discussed with a qualified physician after appropriate clinical and imaging evaluation.
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