Adipose tissue harvesting for microfragmented adipose tissue injection: A pilot study to evaluate safety and learning curve for orthopedic surgeons

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the complication rate between plastic and orthopedics surgeons on harvesting adipose tissue for osteoarthritic knee mFAT injections. Methods We evaluated patients with knee osteoarthritis who were submitted to a one-stage procedure that included the harvesting of abdominal adipose fat tissue, the processing of the adipose tissue using a single-use device Lipogems®, and the injection of the processed micro fragmented adipose tissue (mFAT) into the knee. One group of patients had the adipose tissue harvested by a plastic surgeon and the other group had the procedure performed by a recently trained orthopedic surgeon. We compared the adverse effects, minor and major complications related to the adipose tissue harvesting during the procedure and after 15 days. Results Both groups showed no major complications such as fat embolism, thromboembolic event, abdominal perforation, wound infection, dehiscence or cosmetic changes. Minor complications, such as abdominal discomfort during the harvesting showed no statistical difference. Adverse effects such as abdominal ecchymosis and abdominal discomfort after the procedure were prevalent in both groups and were solved within 15 days of the procedure Conclusion For small adipose tissue volume harvesting, our study supports that low complication rates can be achieved by an orthopedic surgeon with adequate training.