Regenerative orthopedics · Osteoarthritis

Treating osteoarthritisStem cells, without surgery

We apply stem cells directly into the affected joint to modulate inflammation and stimulate cartilage repair. The initial evaluation determines whether the treatment is indicated in your case.

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Grade I, II and III osteoarthritis · Evaluated case by case · Local anesthesia, no hospital stay · First consultation of 45 minutes

Quick answer

Can stem cells treat osteoarthritis?

At SANAA, stem cells are applied directly into the affected joint to modulate inflammation and stimulate cartilage repair. Grades I, II and III respond well; in grade IV, with total joint destruction, the medical evaluation decides whether treatment would help. It is done with local anesthesia and no hospital stay.

Updated October 31, 2026

Is it for me?

Grades I, II and III respond well. In grade IV, with total joint destruction, the evaluation decides whether the treatment would help before going ahead.

If you recognize yourself in any of these

You have grade I, II or III osteoarthritis.
You want to avoid joint replacement surgery.
You are an active person with chronic joint pain.
Conventional treatments have not worked for you.

It is not for you if there is

End-stage grade IV osteoarthritis with total destruction
Active joint infection
Active cancer
Uncontrolled coagulopathies

The initial evaluation confirms it.

What will be done?

What it is

It is a regenerative protocol that applies stem cells directly into the affected joint to stimulate repair of damaged cartilage, modulate chronic inflammation and improve joint lubrication.

Conditions it treats

Knees
Hips
Ankles
Hands and wrists
Shoulders
Spine

How it works

Differentiation into chondrocytesStem cells transform into cartilage cells that regenerate damaged tissue.
Growth factorsRelease molecules that stimulate local repair of joint tissue.
Anti-inflammatory actionReduces pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis.
Improved synovial fluidModulates joint lubrication for fluid movement.

Step by step

1
Initial evaluation
A consultation with Dr. Guerrero Silva. He reviews your history and tests to decide whether you are a candidate and what to aim for with treatment.
45-minute consultation, virtual or in person
2
Protocol design
A plan made for you: type of stem cells, concentration, delivery route and complementary therapies such as IV therapy, laser or magnetotherapy.
Depending on your case: IV therapy, laser or magnetotherapy
3
Treatment
Performed in facilities licensed by the Bogotá Health Department. The cells are processed in biosafety level II laboratories.
Continuous medical supervision
4
Follow-up
Medical check-ups after treatment to verify how you respond and adjust the protocol.
We don’t promise cures: we pursue real, sustainable, measurable results

How many sessions and what results?

Every case progresses differently: these are the usual milestones of follow-up. We do not promise cures; we aim for real, sustainable and measurable results.

Procedure: With local anesthesia; most patients describe it as a traditional injection. No hospital stay or prolonged rest.
Sessions: The number is set by the medical evaluation.

First weeks
- Initial pain reduction, from 2 to 3 weeks
- Less joint inflammation
1 to 3 months
- Better range of motion
- Less need for painkillers
6 months or more
- Structural cartilage regeneration, between 3 and 6 months
- Benefits sustained for 1 to 2 years or more

A real testimonial

«I’m back to playing my favorite sport, golf. The pain from degenerative osteoarthritis is gone.»
Julio FonnollSANAA patient

Watch their story on video

Who will treat me?

Dr. Carlos Guerrero Silva

Orthopedic surgeon · Medical director

PhD in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells: Cambridge International University, 2020
Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine: Certificate No. 307, 2022
Orthopedics and Traumatology: Universidad de Buenos Aires · Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, 1996–2001

They are joined by Dr. Mónica Díaz (anesthesiology) and Dr. María Paula Guerrero (clinical physician). Since 2014 · more than 5,000 patients from 15 countries, aged 2 to 92.

Meet the team

Frequently asked questions

What grade of osteoarthritis can be treated?

Grades I, II, and III respond very well. In grade IV with total joint destruction, we assess whether treatment would provide benefit before proceeding.

Is the procedure painful?

No. It’s applied with local anesthesia and most patients describe it as a traditional injection. No hospitalization or prolonged rest.

When do I feel the first results?

Pain reduction begins between 2 and 3 weeks. Structural cartilage regeneration is observed between 3-6 months.

Can I avoid joint replacement surgery?

In most cases, yes, especially for grades I-III. The initial evaluation determines if you’re a candidate.

How is this different from traditional injections?

Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections provide temporary relief. Stem cells regenerate tissue and address the cause.