This study investigated the effects of heat from an arthroscope on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs). hBMMSCs were isolated from osteoarthritis patients and exposed to heat from an illuminated arthroscope for various time periods as single cell suspensions or cell pellets. Cell suspensions exposed to heat showed decreased viability over time, while cell pellets maintained or increased viability. Gene expression analysis found increased expression of heat shock and inflammatory genes in cell suspensions compared to pellets after heat exposure. The results suggest that transplanting hBMMSCs as cell pellets may better protect them from heat effects during arthroscopic procedures and thus support cartilage regeneration.