Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue for the treatment of diffuse degenerative knee osteoarthritis: an update at 3 year follow-up

Background

The management of chondral disease poses challenges due to its poor healing potential. Biomechanical and biological changes can accelerate degeneration, leading to end-stage osteoarthritis (OA).

Conservative Therapies

Various conservative treatments are utilized before surgery, including non-pharmacological interventions and intra-articular therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly from adipose tissue, show promise in cartilage regeneration due to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

Methods

The study, approved by the Ethics Committee, involved 30 patients with diffuse degenerative chondral lesions treated with autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue between January and December 2014. Clinical evaluations were conducted at 3 years post-treatment.

Findings

Of the 30 patients, 24 underwent associated surgeries, while 6 had arthroscopy alone. At 3 years, 23% of patients received additional treatments. No adverse events were reported.

Results

Patients not requiring additional treatments maintained outcomes observed at 1 year, with significant improvements in functional scores including Tegner Lysholm Knee, VAS pain, IKDC subjective, and total KOOS.

Discussion

The study demonstrates sustained benefits of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue in treating diffuse degenerative knee chondral lesions at mid-term follow-up, supporting its role as an adjunct in surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Micro-fragmented adipose tissue shows promise in mitigating chondral degeneration, warranting further investigation into its protective effects in knee OA management.

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