This study evaluates the effectiveness of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections in improving the quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), particularly those who are also candidates for total knee replacement (TKR). The findings suggest that MFAT injections can be a significant non-surgical alternative, providing a way to enhance patient well-being and delay the need for more invasive surgery.
The Problem of Rationing TKR
Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability worldwide. While TKR is a proven and effective solution, access to the procedure can be limited due to various factors, including the rationing of healthcare services. This often leaves patients with moderate to severe arthritis, who are in need of treatment but not yet considered severe enough for surgery, in a painful and debilitating state. The study investigated whether MFAT could provide a reliable solution for this group of patients.
Key Findings: Improvement in Quality of Life
The research involved 220 patients with advanced KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4) who received a single MFAT injection. Over a two-year follow-up period, the study measured changes in function using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and assessed quality of life with the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D).
The results showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life for the group most affected by pain and functional limitations. This included patients with a baseline OKS of 39 or less, as well as those with a score of 27 or less—a group typically considered a priority for knee replacement. These improvements were sustained at the 24-month mark, demonstrating the long-term potential of MFAT.
MFAT as an Alternative to Surgery
The study’s findings are particularly important for patients and healthcare providers as they suggest that MFAT injections are a low-morbidity, alternative biological treatment. The procedure is less invasive than surgery and can effectively bridge the gap for patients who are not yet ready for a TKR or who wish to postpone it. This offers a new option for managing the pain and functional limitations of advanced knee osteoarthritis, with the potential to improve a patient’s lifestyle and well-being for a significant period.
We treated over 2,500 patients predominantly in the knee for early to advanced osteoarthritis using Lipogems and this is one of the papers that we published presenting our results. I’m very fortunate to be a key opinion leader for Lipogems and it’s something that of course we offer at Orthopaedic Innovation as part of surgical procedures and as a standalone treatment for the management of osteoarthritis.
To explore the complete findings, methodology, and analysis, the full research paper is available for your review.
Sources used in report overview:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211557/
- https://www.cascaderegenmed.com/post/mfat-treat-osteoarthritis-using-your-own-stem-cells
- https://www.theregenerativeclinic.co.uk/alternatives-to-knee-replacement/
