Stem cells for knee procedures in Turkey primarily come from the patient's own body, known as autologous sources. Specialists typically harvest mesenchymal stem cells from adipose fat tissue using mini-liposuction. Alternatively, they extract them from bone marrow via the pelvic bone under local anaesthesia. The cells are then processed and reinjected.
- Adipose tissue: Fat-derived cells (SVF) are popular due to high concentrations of mesenchymal cells.
- Bone marrow: Extracted from the hip bone to support bone and cartilage regeneration.
- Peripheral blood: Used for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate natural healing within joints.
- Donor-derived: Umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s Jelly) is available at specific labs for systemic treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish orthopaedic centres like Turan Turan Health Group and OrtoCare often combine stem cell harvesting with robotic-assisted surgery. While many centres use same-day fat-derived SVF, specialists like Professor Kayhan Turan, who has performed 3,500+ robotic procedures, may integrate these cells during arthroscopy. This can accelerate recovery in complex joint cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Turkey find the same-day harvesting and reinjection process efficient and straightforward. They recommend confirming whether the clinic uses the patient's own fat tissue or bone marrow. They also suggest requesting the specific lab processing details in writing before the procedure.