✦ World-Class Orthopedic Regeneration

Beyond Knee Replacement.
Regenerate. Don't Replace.

South Korea and Japan are delivering outcomes in stem cell surgery for knee osteoarthritis that aren't available anywhere in the United States. MyMediTour coordinates private, concierge-level access to the world's leading specialists.

Talk to a Coordinator See the Destinations
10+
Years of clinical
outcomes in South Korea
2–4 wk
Typical recovery vs.
months for knee replacement
JCI
Accredited partner
facilities
Orthopedic specialist in a modern Korean clinic reviewing knee imaging with a patient
South Korea Pioneer MFDS-approved cartilage
regeneration therapies
The Problem

Told you need a knee replacement?
There's another option.

Knee osteoarthritis affects over 32 million Americans. The standard US treatment path — cortisone injections, then total knee replacement — often leaves patients with years of pain management, followed by a 12-month recovery and an artificial joint that wears out in 15–20 years.

Stem cell surgery targets the root of the problem: cartilage degeneration. It doesn't replace your knee — it repairs it.

  • Knee replacement requires months of painful rehabilitation
  • Artificial joints have a finite lifespan and often need replacement
  • Biological cartilage restoration options remain limited in the US
  • Cortisone injections manage pain but do not stop progression
Total Knee Replacement
Stem Cell Surgery
Removes natural joint tissue permanently
Preserves and regenerates natural tissue
3–12 month recovery period
2–4 week return to light activity
Artificial implant — wears out over time
Your own biology — no implant required
Major surgery with general anaesthesia
Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure
May require revision surgery in 15–20 years
Documented durable outcomes at 5–10 years
Widely available in the US
Approved and available in South Korea & Japan
The Destinations

Two countries leading the world in knee regeneration

South Korea has a decade of documented outcomes and MFDS-approved treatments that aren't available in the US. Japan's new regulatory framework opens access to revolutionary protocols — including MyMediTour's newest partnership.

Modern Seoul orthopedic clinic — clinical, prestigious, warm lighting
✦ Pioneer Market

South Korea

Over a decade of approved stem cell outcomes

Cartistem® — The Gold Standard

South Korea's MFDS-approved allogeneic stem cell treatment for knee cartilage repair. The only government-approved allogeneic stem cell product for osteoarthritis in the world. MyMediTour has directly coordinated patient cases here with strong outcomes.

South Korean orthopedic surgeons have refined stem cell arthroscopy into a precise, same-day procedure. Patients typically fly in, undergo treatment, recover locally for 1–2 weeks, and return home — often without crutches.

  • Cartistem® — world's only government-approved allogeneic stem cell cartilage treatment
  • 10+ years of published clinical outcomes and patient data
  • JCI-accredited hospital partners with dedicated international patient programs
  • Same-day arthroscopic procedure — no overnight hospital stay required
  • Established success stories from MyMediTour-coordinated cases
  • English-speaking patient coordinators at partner clinics
Request South Korea Evaluation
State-of-the-art Japanese medical research facility — minimalist, white, precision-focused
New Partnership

Japan

Next-generation protocols — now open to US patients

Japan's Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine has created one of the most advanced environments for approved cell therapies. MyMediTour has just completed a direct partnership with leading Japanese orthopedic centers, opening intake for US patients for the first time.

  • Government-licensed regenerative medicine facilities under Japan's 2014 regulatory framework
  • Active research and clinical programs for advanced cartilage regeneration
  • Autologous and allogeneic cell therapy options for multiple OA severity grades
  • Cutting-edge combination protocols: stem cells + PRP + arthroscopic precision
  • World-class hospital infrastructure with international patient services
  • Complementary to or following South Korea treatment for complex cases
Request Japan Evaluation
Patient Stories

Back to the life they almost gave up on

These are real MyMediTour patients. Their names and details have been changed to protect privacy, but their stories are not.

★★★★★

"I was scheduled for a total knee replacement. My surgeon said I had no other options. Eight months after my procedure in Seoul, I'm hiking again. I haven't had a day of significant pain since month four."

👤
Robert M. Age 58 · Texas
Seoul
★★★★★

"The coordination was flawless. From the first call to the day I landed home, I knew exactly what was happening. The clinic in South Korea was more sophisticated than any hospital I've been to in the US."

👤
Linda K. Age 63 · Florida
Seoul
★★★★★

"I play golf three times a week. My orthopedist told me that wouldn't be possible again without a replacement. I didn't accept that. MyMediTour found me a better answer, and I'm glad I asked."

👤
David T. Age 61 · California
Seoul

Patient names changed for privacy. Stories reflect real MyMediTour-coordinated cases. Individual outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.

The Procedure

What stem cell surgery for knee OA actually involves

This is not an injection. It is a precision arthroscopic procedure that delivers concentrated stem cells directly to damaged cartilage — allowing biological repair where the joint has degenerated.

  • 1

    Pre-surgical evaluation

    MRI review, X-rays, and patient history are submitted to the surgical team. Eligibility and protocol are confirmed before travel is arranged.

  • 2

    Cell preparation (same day or prior)

    In allogeneic protocols (Cartistem), donor-derived stem cells are prepared. In autologous protocols, cells may be drawn from the patient's own bone marrow or fat tissue.

  • 3

    Arthroscopic delivery

    A minimally invasive arthroscopic approach delivers stem cells precisely to the cartilage defect under direct visualization. Procedure duration is typically 1–2 hours.

  • 4

    In-destination recovery

    Patients typically rest locally for 1–2 weeks, with physiotherapy beginning within days. Most patients fly home without assistance.

  • 5

    Progressive improvement over 3–6 months

    Stem cells integrate into cartilage over time. Most patients report significant pain reduction and functional improvement within 3–4 months.

Am I a candidate?

Stem cell surgery is not suitable for every patient or every stage of osteoarthritis. The following profile represents good candidacy — final eligibility is always determined by the surgical team after medical review.

  • ✓ Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (Grade I–III on Kellgren-Lawrence scale)
  • ✓ Pain or functional limitation despite conservative treatment
  • ✓ Cartilage defect confirmed on MRI
  • ✓ No active knee infection or severe joint instability
  • ✓ General health sufficient for minor surgical procedure
  • ✓ Realistic expectations about outcomes and timelines

Grade IV (bone-on-bone) OA may still qualify depending on the case and protocol. Submit your case for evaluation — our team will advise honestly on suitability before you make any decision.

Request My Evaluation
Concierge Coordination

Every step handled.
You focus on the decision.

MyMediTour's coordination model is built for patients who expect a high standard of service. Your coordinator is a single point of contact across every stage.

1

Private Case Submission

Submit your case details, imaging, and questions. No commitment, no pressure.

2

Coordinator Review

A dedicated coordinator reviews your case and recommends the right destination and clinic within 24 hours.

3

Surgical Team Evaluation

The matched clinic reviews your imaging and confirms protocol, eligibility, and a detailed cost estimate.

4

Travel Coordination

Scheduling, logistics, accommodation guidance, and pre-travel preparation — all coordinated through MyMediTour.

5

In-Destination & Follow-Up

Your coordinator stays reachable through treatment and recovery. Post-return check-ins are standard.

Questions & Answers

The questions that matter most

Answered the same way we would in a direct conversation — honestly.
For conventional total knee replacement, top US surgeons are excellent. But for stem cell cartilage regeneration, South Korea's surgeons have been performing this specific procedure — with the only government-approved allogeneic stem cell product in the world — for over a decade. The US simply does not have an equivalent approved product or the same volume of clinical experience for this particular procedure.
Stem cell surgery does not guarantee full cartilage regeneration, and outcomes vary based on OA grade, age, patient health, and other factors. We present the published clinical data transparently so you can set informed expectations before deciding. If you proceed and do not achieve the outcome you hoped for, a knee replacement remains an option — the procedure does not close that door.
All-in costs — including procedure, facility fees, and a short local recovery stay — typically range from $12,000 to $28,000 depending on the protocol, destination, and case complexity. This compares to $30,000–$50,000+ for a total knee replacement in the US, not including rehabilitation costs. All figures presented are estimates until confirmed by the surgical team after reviewing your case.
Most patients plan for 10–14 days in-country. The procedure itself is same-day or overnight. The remaining time covers pre-surgical evaluation, initial post-op monitoring, and physiotherapy before travel home is cleared by the surgical team.
That is entirely your choice. Some patients share the procedure records with their US orthopedist for continuity of care; others prefer to manage the process independently. The partner clinics provide complete documentation of the procedure, protocol, and follow-up plan that can be shared with any physician.
South Korea is the established choice — a decade of outcomes, the world's only government-approved allogeneic stem cell product (Cartistem®), and MyMediTour's existing patient track record there. Japan is our newest destination, offering access to cutting-edge protocols under a highly regulated framework — suitable for patients who want the latest clinical approaches or whose case complexity may benefit from Japan's specific treatment options. Your coordinator will advise which is the right fit after reviewing your case.
Private Consultation

Find out if you're a candidate. There's no obligation.

Submit your case details and a MyMediTour coordinator will personally review your situation and provide an honest assessment — including whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific condition, which destination fits best, and what realistic outcomes look like.

⏱️
Response within 24 hours A real coordinator — not an automated system — reviews and responds to every submission.
🔒
Completely private Your information and medical history are never shared with anyone outside of the relevant clinical team.
💬
No pressure, ever We will tell you honestly if you're a good candidate — or if you're not. Our reputation depends on getting this right.
📋
Written summary provided You will receive a written case summary with protocol options, destination recommendation, and estimated costs before making any decision.

Request Private Consultation

Tell us about your case. The more detail you provide, the more useful our initial assessment will be.

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    No commitment at any stage. Your details are private and will never be shared outside the coordination and clinical team.