Micro-Fragmented Fat Tissue Shows Promise for Knee Arthritis

Researchers Analyzed Eight Studies Involving 331 Patients

This systematic review combined results from eight separate studies to understand how well micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) works for knee osteoarthritis. MFAT is specially processed fat tissue from your own body that contains mesenchymal stem cells—regenerative cells that can support healing. By pooling data from 331 patients, researchers could draw stronger conclusions than any single study alone. All patients received injections of their own processed fat tissue to treat knee arthritis symptoms.

Pain Scores Dropped Significantly After Treatment

The analysis found meaningful improvements in knee pain after MFAT treatment. Using the KOOS pain scale (a standard measure of knee function), patients showed an average improvement of about 22 points. On the visual analog scale, where patients rate pain from zero to ten, scores dropped by approximately three points on average. These improvements suggest that many patients experienced substantially less daily knee pain following their procedure.

Function Improved Across Multiple Daily Activities

Beyond pain relief, patients reported better ability to perform everyday tasks. The KOOS scores showed improvements across all measured areas:

• Daily living activities: Average improvement of 23 points

• Sports and recreation: Average improvement of nearly 31 points

• Symptoms like stiffness: Average improvement of about 20 points

• Quality of life: Average improvement of nearly 30 points

These gains suggest patients could move more easily and return to activities they had previously avoided.

No Serious Complications Were Reported

The safety analysis was reassuring for patients considering this treatment. The procedure was not linked to serious complications such as:

• Infection

• Significant bleeding or bruising

• Drainage from the injection site

• Hematoma (blood pooling under the skin)

Some patients did experience temporary soreness, mild pain at the injection site, and short-term stiffness. These minor effects are common after many injection procedures and typically resolve within days.

Important Limitations to Consider

While these results are encouraging, patients should understand some key limitations. First, this was a preprint—meaning it had not yet undergone full peer review when published. The studies included did not compare MFAT to a placebo or other treatments, making it harder to know how much improvement came specifically from the treatment versus natural healing or placebo effect. The researchers also noted that longer follow-up periods and randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and understand how long benefits last.

What This Means for Your Treatment Decision

This meta-analysis suggests that MFAT injections may offer meaningful pain relief and improved function for knee osteoarthritis, with a favorable safety profile. The treatment uses your own tissue, avoiding concerns about rejection or donor matching. However, individual results vary, and this approach works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you are considering MFAT therapy, discuss these findings with your doctor to determine whether it might be appropriate for your specific situation, especially if you want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.

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Source: Wang et al., Research Square, 2021.