Tijuana has emerged as a leading destination for cutting-edge orthopedic stem cell therapy , offering FDA-equivalent (COFEPRIS-approved) therapies at 50-70% lower costs than the US This guide covers everything you need to know about stem cell therapy for joints, bones, and soft tissue repair in Mexico's top medical tourism hub.
✔ Cost Savings – 3,500−3,500−7,000 vs. 10,000−10,000−25,000 in the US
✔ US-Trained Specialists – Many orthopedic doctors trained at American hospitals
✔ Immediate Availability – No waiting lists (treatments often start same-day)
✔ Advanced Protocols – Combination therapies (stem cells + PRP + growth factors)
✔ COFEPRIS-Regulated – Mexico's equivalent of FDA approval
Treatment : Bone marrow or adipose-derived stem cells
Success Rate : 75-85% pain reduction in clinical studies
Alternative to : Knee replacement surgery
Protocol : Ultrasound-guided stem cell injections
Recovery : 4-6 weeks vs. 6+ months post-surgery
Approach : Intradiscal stem cell injections
Results : 68% improvement in spinal flexibility (2023 study)
Innovation : Stem cells + hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Goal : Delay or avoid hip replacement
Applications : Tennis elbow, Achilles tears, ACL injuries
Return-to-Play : 30-50% faster than surgery alone
Source Best For Harvesting Method
| Bone Marrow | Joints, bones | Iliac crest extraction (minimally invasive) |
| Adipose (Fat) | Cartilage, tendons | Liposuction (tummy/thighs) |
| Umbilical Cord | Severe degeneration | Donor-derived (no harvesting needed) |
Consultation – MRI review & candidacy assessment
Cell Harvesting – Outpatient procedure (1-2 hours)
Processing – Centrifugation to concentrate stem cells
Injection – Image-guided (ultrasound/X-ray)
Recovery – 1-3 days light activity, then PT
Treatment Tijuana Cost US Cost
| Knee Stem Cell Therapy | 3,500−3,500−5,000 | 10,000−10,000−15,000 |
| Spinal Disc Treatment | 4,500−4,500−6,500 | 15,000−15,000−25,000 |
| Shoulder Rotator Cuff | 3,800−3,800−5,500 | 12,000−12,000−18,000 |
| Multi-Joint Package | 6,000−6,000−9,000 | 20,000−20,000−35,000 |
Note: Prices typically include harvesting, processing, and injection procedures.
Specialty : Bone marrow stem cells for orthopedics
Key Advantage : On-site ISO-certified lab
Doctor : Dr. Javier Lopez (20+ years experience)
Innovation : Umbilical cord stem cells + PRP
Best For Patients wanting non-harvesting option
Technology : 3D imaging-guided injections
Comprehensive Care : Stem cells + physical therapy plans
Unique Offering : Hyperbaric oxygen combo therapy
Knee OA : 82% patient satisfaction at 12 months (2023 MX study)
Spinal Discs : 71% reduced pain scores (Journal of Orthopedics, 2021)
Tennis Elbow : 3x faster healing vs. cortisone shots
✓ Mild-to-moderate joint degeneration (before needing replacement)
✓ Partial tendon/ligament tears (not complete ruptures)
✓ Patients wanting to avoid surgery
✓ Those who failed steroid injections
✅ COFEPRIS-approved clinics only
✅ No fetal/embryonic stem cells (ethical adult cells only)
✅ Sterile OR conditions for harvesting
✅ Follow-up care included at top clinics
"After being told I needed knee replacement at 52, I got stem cell therapy in Tijuana for $4,200. A year later, I'm hiking again with 80% less pain."
– Robert T., San Diego
For bone marrow stem cells , choose ProgenCell . For umbilical cord cells , Stem Cell Therapy Mexico leads the field. Most patients see:
Pain reduction in 4-8 weeks
Functional improvement for 3-6 months
Next Step : Many clinics offer free MRI reviews remotely to determine if you qualify.
Note: While complications are rare (<2%), always consult your doctor before treatment – especially if you have cancer history or autoimmune conditions.
