Fat Tissue Injection Shows Two-Year Benefits for Knee Arthritis in Older Adults

International Study Tracks 75 Patients Aged 60 and Older

Researchers from five medical centers across the United States, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates studied whether a single injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT)—specially processed fat from your own body—could help elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study included 75 patients with an average age of nearly 70 years. All participants had confirmed knee arthritis ranging from moderate to severe, and many had lived with knee pain for months before treatment.

Nearly Nine in Ten Patients Saw Meaningful Improvement

The results were encouraging. Out of 120 knee treatments (some patients had both knees treated), 106 treatments—that's 88.3 percent—achieved what doctors call "clinically significant" improvement. This means patients experienced real, noticeable gains in pain relief and daily function that lasted through the full two-year follow-up period. These improvements were measured using a standard knee health questionnaire that tracks pain, symptoms, and quality of life.

Patients with Moderate Arthritis Responded Best

The study grouped patients by the severity of their arthritis using a standard grading system called Kellgren-Lawrence (KL). Patients with grade two (moderate) arthritis showed the strongest pain relief at six, 12, and 24 months. However, even patients with more advanced disease—grades three and four—still experienced meaningful benefits. This suggests that while earlier treatment may work best, the procedure can still help those with more severe joint damage.

Single Injection Provided Lasting Relief Without Surgery

Each patient received just one MFAT injection into the affected knee. The procedure used fat tissue harvested from the patient's own abdomen or buttock area under local or general anesthesia. This fat was then processed using the Lipogems system to concentrate the healing cells—including pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—while preserving their natural structure. The injection was guided by ultrasound or performed during a minor arthroscopic procedure.

Only 11.7 Percent of Treatments Did Not Meet Goals

While most patients improved, 14 treatments (11.7 percent, involving nine patients) did not achieve lasting benefit before the two-year mark. The study did not report any serious safety concerns related to the procedure. Because the treatment uses your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction from donor materials.

What This Means for Your Treatment Decision

This study adds to growing evidence that MFAT injections may offer a safe, minimally invasive option for managing knee osteoarthritis—especially for older adults who want to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. The procedure involves a same-day outpatient visit and uses your body's own regenerative cells.

• Who may benefit most: Patients aged 60 or older with moderate to severe knee arthritis who have not responded well to other conservative treatments.

• What to expect: A single injection that may provide pain relief and improved function for up to two years.

• Important consideration: Results were best in patients with moderate arthritis, suggesting earlier treatment may lead to better outcomes.

If you are considering this treatment, discuss your arthritis severity and treatment history with your physician. They can help determine whether MFAT therapy might be appropriate for your situation.

---

Source: Gobbi et al., International Orthopaedics, 2021.