Infiltration of micro-fragmented adipose tissue under local anesthesia for knee osteoarthritis treatment is a safe procedure: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that has been increasing in prevalence, especially due to the aging population and rising incidence of obesity. Biological therapies (orthobiologics) have emerged, demonstrating efficacy in improving functional scores, including the injection of microfragmented Adipose Tissue (mFAT). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of adipose tissue harvesting and mFAT injection under local anesthesia. Materials/methods: A case series involving 34 patients who underwent adipose tissue collection from the abdomen under local anesthesia, without sedation, in a sterile environment, and who received the infiltration of microfragmented adipose tissue after single-time preparation, using a fat washing and microfragmentation kit. Results: Evaluation was performed at the time of the procedure and after 7 days of follow-up. Only ecchymosis (76.5%) and mild discomfort at the harvested site (70.6%), as well as mild discomfort at the infiltrated knee (61.8%), were identified. No major adverse events were identified. Conclusion: The harvesting and injection of mFAT under local anesthesia is safe, with no major adverse events identified during this procedure.