Shoulder Pain Relief: What One Study Found About Fat-Derived Cell Treatment
Richard D Striano, Gerard A Malanga, Norma Bilbool, Khatira Azatullah · Journal of Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine · 2018
Patients with chronic shoulder pain saw significant improvement over one year
This study followed 18 patients with stubborn shoulder pain that hadn't improved with standard treatments. Each patient had been dealing with pain for more than a year. Their conditions included osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear), rotator cuff tears, and other soft tissue damage. Before trying this treatment, all patients had attempted at least three other approaches—such as physical therapy, cortisone shots, or platelet-rich plasma injections—without success.
Pain scores dropped by more than half after treatment
Researchers tracked pain levels using a standard numerical scale where higher numbers mean worse pain. Before treatment, the average pain score was 7.5 out of 10. By the one-year mark, this had dropped to 3.6—a reduction of more than 50%. This improvement was statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely due to chance.
Average pain before treatment: 7.5 out of 10
Average pain at one year: 3.6 out of 10
This represents roughly a 52% reduction in pain
Shoulder function improved dramatically over twelve months
The study also measured shoulder function using a standardized scoring system called the ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score). This scale runs from zero to 100, with 100 representing perfect function. Patients started with an average score of just 33.7, reflecting serious limitations. By one year, their average score had risen to 69.2—more than doubling their functional ability.
These improvements meant patients could perform daily activities more easily. Before treatment, many struggled with tasks like dressing, reaching behind their back, or lifting their arm above shoulder level.
Treatment used the patient's own processed fat tissue
The procedure involved Lipogems®, which processes a small amount of fat tissue from the patient's own body. Using only saline washing and gentle mechanical separation, the system creates tiny clusters of fat tissue about 500 microns in size (roughly half a millimeter). These clusters keep their natural structure intact, including the cells that support healing.
Doctors then injected this processed tissue directly into the shoulder joint and damaged soft tissues. They used ultrasound imaging to guide each injection precisely to the affected areas.
No complications or serious side effects were reported
Throughout the entire study period, researchers noted no complications or serious adverse events. Because the treatment uses the patient's own tissue without adding chemicals or enzymes, the risk of rejection or allergic reaction is minimal. This safety profile is particularly noteworthy for patients who may be concerned about surgical alternatives.
What this means for patients considering treatment options
This study offers encouraging evidence for people with chronic shoulder pain who haven't found relief through conventional treatments. The improvements in both pain and function were maintained throughout the full twelve months of follow-up—longer than many similar studies, which typically only track patients for three to six months.
However, this was a small study with only 18 patients and no comparison group receiving a different treatment. While the results are promising, larger controlled trials would help confirm these findings. Patients considering this option should discuss their individual situation with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if Lipogems® might be appropriate for their specific condition.
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Source: Striano et al., Journal of Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine, 2018.
Original Publication
Refractory Shoulder Pain with Osteoarthritis, and Rotator Cuff Tear, Treated With Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue
Richard D Striano, Gerard A Malanga, Norma Bilbool, Khatira Azatullah · Journal of Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine · 2018
Chronic shoulder pain and rotator cuff abnormalities affect a large portion of the population and result in substantial impairments and loss of useful functions, thus affecting patient quality of life. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain in the adult population is osteoarthritis. It is the third most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder after low back and neck pain. If current standard non-operative methods fail, there are few viable options available other than shoulder replacement surgery. Recently biological treatments using adult stem cell treatments, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC's) have been shown to have potential benefits in orthopedic applications. One such source of regenerative cellular tissue is adipose, which is known to be a robust source of stem cells. Adipose tissue is readily accessible, easily harvested and few complications have been reported. This study reports the safety, efficacy and long term benefits from ultrasound guided injection of an autologous, minimally manipulated, microfragmented adipose tissue using Lipogems® system. Outcomes were assessed through twelve months using Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) and The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES). Significant improvement was noted through all time points to one year (NPS p<0.00008, ASES p<0.00017). The average NPS improved from 7.5 to 3.6 at one year; average ASES improved from 33.7 to 69.2 at one year. No post procedural complications or serious adverse events were reported. The results demonstrate significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life through twelve months.