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International Orthopaedics

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Open Access 01-02-2021 | Knee Osteoarthritis | Original Paper

Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study

Authors: Gerard A. Malanga, Paul S. Chirichella, Nathan S. Hogaboom, Teresa Capella

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The management of knee pain secondary to meniscal tears with osteoarthritis is limited by the poor inherent healing potential of the meniscus. Previous studies have reported on the benefit of autologous micro-fragmented fat as a therapeutic for various knee pathologies. The goal of this prospective pilot study was to determine the safety and potential treatment effect of micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection for patients with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis and meniscal tears who have failed conservative management.

Methods

Twenty subjects with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis with associated meniscal tear after failed conservative management were enrolled in the study. Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) following ultrasound-guided intra-meniscal and intra-articular micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections were examined at three, six and 12 months.

Results

The mean NPS revealed a significant decrease in patient pain at the 1-year time point compared with baseline (5.45 to 2.21, p < .001). Similarly, overall, mean KOOS symptoms significantly improved from 57.7 to 78.2 (p < .001), with all 4 KOOS subscales demonstrating significant improvement at the final one year follow-up. One subject developed uncomplicated cellulitis at the harvest site which was treated with oral antibiotics. Other complications were minor and mostly limited to adipose harvest.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that micro-fragmented adipose tissue injected directly into a torn meniscus and knee joint using ultrasound guidance represents a safe and potentially efficacious treatment option for patients with knee pain suffering from degenerative arthritis and degenerative meniscal tears. A larger, randomized, controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.org Identifier: NCT03714659

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Title: Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Gerard A. Malanga
Paul S. Chirichella
Nathan S. Hogaboom
Teresa Capella
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthrosis
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy
Osteoarthrosis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04835-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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