I just had my second bi-annual cortisone shot in my left knee for OA, and I'm optimistic. The first shot was good for about 5 months, and I delayed the second round until 6 months. I'm disposed to running, and have taken the advice to walk the steep down-hills, but I can run uphill all I want. On the flats I'm good for 15 miles. Doc says I'm a candidate for partial knee replacements in the 5-10 yr. range, and at age 61 currently, a one & done treatment would be nice.

I'm wondering what less-invasive treatments are likely to be available that far out. I've read some on the stem cells and platelet rich therapies, but positive results seem 50/50 at this time, and they are not covered by insurance (perhaps because of results?). Given the time it takes to get FDA approval, are any of you aware of treatments in the development stage that are showing better results? Maybe advances in stem cell treatment are still several years out? What other options should I be tracking?

Thanks, D