Stem cells harvested from patients’ stomachs help the body regrow tissue and cartilage damaged by the crippling, and so far incurable, condition.

Benefit can be felt within two weeks and, if used early enough, could avoid the need for joint replacement operations, scientists behind the new technique claim.

Studies have shown the fat-derived stem cell therapy has been startlingly successful in the treatment of osteoarthritis in pets and it is now being used on humans. Medics treat the joint and tendon disease by injecting the stem cells into the affected area, replacing lost or damaged cells.

The jab reduces inflammation and encourages the repair and regrowth of healthy tissue inside the joint.

Although the treatment is still in its infancy, early results show it may help cartilage regeneration, delaying the need for joint replacement by 10 or 20 years. If the disease is treated at an early stage, it may halt its progress altogether. The advance was welcomed by campaigners last night.

This new stem cell therapy, if the trials continue to show success, could be transformational

Judith Brodie, chief executive of Arthritis Care

Judith Brodie, chief executive of Arthritis Care said: “There are six million people in the UK in constant pain from osteoarthritis.

“This new stem cell therapy, if the trials continue to show success, could be transformational.