Understanding This Research: Lipogems® for Shoulder Arthritis

25 Patients Show Steady Pain Relief Over One Full Year

This study followed 25 people with mild-to-moderate shoulder arthritis who received Lipogems® treatment. Researchers tracked their progress at six weeks, 18 weeks, and one full year after treatment. All patients showed meaningful improvements that continued to build over time. The results suggest this approach may offer a lasting alternative to surgery for the right candidates.

Pain Scores Drop Significantly at Every Check-Up

Patients rated their pain using a standard scale before and after treatment. At every follow-up visit, the group reported statistically significant pain reduction compared to their starting point. The improvement wasn't just immediate—it grew progressively stronger throughout the year. This pattern of ongoing gains is encouraging for those seeking long-term relief rather than temporary fixes.

Shoulder Function Improves Alongside Pain Relief

The study measured arm and shoulder function using a well-established questionnaire called DASH. This tool captures how well people can perform daily activities like reaching, lifting, and sleeping comfortably. Just like the pain scores, function scores improved steadily at each milestone. By the one-year mark, participants reported meaningful gains in their ability to use their shoulders normally.

How the Procedure Works: A Minimally Invasive Approach

The treatment used micro-fragmented adipose tissue (specially processed fat) from each patient's own body. Here's what the process involved:

• Fat tissue was collected from the abdominal area using a small needle

• The tissue was processed through the Lipogems® system without chemicals or enzymes

• About seven cubic centimeters of the prepared material was injected into the shoulder joint

• Ultrasound guidance ensured precise placement directly into the joint space

The entire procedure happened in one visit. Patients went home the same day with instructions for recovery.

Study Included Patients with Confirmed Arthritis Diagnosis

Researchers carefully selected participants to ensure meaningful results:

• All patients were over 40 years old

• Each had confirmed shoulder arthritis shown on X-rays

• Arthritis severity ranged from mild to moderate (grades two to three)

• People with very low initial pain scores were excluded from final analysis

• Those with immune disorders, recent cancer treatment, or certain heart conditions could not participate

This careful selection helps ensure the results apply specifically to people with active shoulder arthritis symptoms.

A Promising Option Before Considering Surgery

Shoulder arthritis causes cartilage breakdown, joint inflammation, and progressive stiffness. Traditional treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying damage. Steroid injections may provide temporary relief but can accelerate joint deterioration with repeated use.

The Lipogems® approach offers something different. Fat tissue contains regenerative cells called pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells. These cells naturally support healing and reduce inflammation. Because the treatment uses your own tissue, there's no risk of rejection.

This study adds to growing evidence that micro-fragmented fat therapy can meaningfully improve both pain and daily function in shoulder arthritis. For patients seeking alternatives to surgery, these year-long results demonstrate that benefits can be sustained well beyond the initial treatment period.

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Source: Vinet-Jones et al., None, 2020.