Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and functional recovery

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Backgrounds This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on patient-reported pain and functional outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to 1st October 2025. RCTs comparing intra-articular MSC injections with control interventions (placebo, hyaluronic acid, or other active treatments) in adult OA patients were included. Primary outcomes were changes in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional improvement assessed by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Secondary outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne index, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale. Data were pooled using random-effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Eleven RCTs involving 811 patients were included. MSC therapy demonstrated significant reduction in VAS pain scores compared to controls (MD -4.08, 95% CI -5.56 to -2.61, p Conclusion Intra-articular MSC injection is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, providing significant and durable improvements in pain

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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