INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability in elderly people. Several non-invasive solutions have been proposed with varying success rates. Recently, new therapeutic approaches, such as the use of minimally manipulated tissue products, have gained increasing popularity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of a single intra-articular injection of autologous, microfragmented adipose tissue in patients with knee OA.

METHODS: The study was performed as a prospective cohort study. Microfragmented adipose tissue was obtained using a minimal manipulation technique (Lipogems). The safety of the procedure was evaluated by recording the type and incidence of any adverse events at three months. The clinical outcomes were determined using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale at three, six and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the study and all participated in the follow-up. Only one adverse event was registered; a patient complaint of cosmetic changes to the abdominal subcutaneous tissue. The improvements in KOOS were significant at all follow-up. At one year, KOOS pain had improved by 14 points, symptoms by seven, activity of daily living by 13, sports by 19 and quality of life by 15.

CONCLUSIONS: The intra-articular injection of autologous, microfragmented adipose tissue for treatment of knee OA seems safe. Randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the efficacy of the treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02697682).

FUNDING: none.