Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue Research Articles

THE ROLE OF PERICYTES IN BONE TISSUE REGENERATION AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

The regeneration of massive bone defects poses a significant challenge in traumatology and orthopedics, often requiring bone grafting procedures following tumor resection, surgery, or severe injury. Current treatment methods include autologous and allogeneic bone grafts, as well as bone substitutes. While autologous transplantation is considered the standard, it is limited by donor site morbidity and availability. Allogeneic transplantation presents risks such as graft rejection and disease transmission. Bone substitutes may not fully restore bone defects. Tissue-engineered biomaterials offer promise for effective regeneration, utilizing stem cells, growth factors, and scaffolds. Adipose tissue, rich in mesenchymal stem cells and perivascular stem cells (pericytes), is a promising cell source for tissue engineering. This thesis explores the therapeutic potential of pericytes combined with various biological carriers and stimulating factors to enhance bone tissue regeneration. Pericytes, contractile cells surrounding small blood vessels, are crucial for vessel integrity and blood flow regulation. They express markers like α-SMA and PDGFR-β and participate in angiogenesis, immune function, and tissue repair. Interactions with endothelial cells via signaling pathways involving molecules like VEGF and TGF-β are vital for vessel formation and stability. With their multipotent nature, pericytes show promise for regenerative medicine. Ongoing research is essential to address challenges in pericyte biology, including identification and understanding their roles in tissue regeneration. Studies highlight the potential of adipose tissue-derived pericytes in bone regeneration, particularly CD146+ pericytes, showing efficacy in spinal fusion and nonunion fracture treatment when combined with DBM. Preclinical studies confirm their effectiveness, especially when incorporated into various scaffold materials. Clinical studies using adipose-derived stem cells and autologous microfragmented adipose tissue have shown promise, with pericyte-enriched fractions holding potential for improved outcomes. Future research into pericyte application, combined with growth factors and scaffolds, could significantly advance bone tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine. Human pericytes show promise for bone tissue regeneration due to their mesenchymal stem cell properties and role in vascular stabilization. Injectable hydrogels are crucial for bone tissue engineering, with various biomaterials developed for this purpose. Studies using injectable hydrogels with pericytes have demonstrated their efficacy in accelerating bone regeneration in different models. Further advancements in injectable hydrogel technology incorporating stem cells and osteoinductive factors are needed for more efficient bone tissue restoration.

Therapeutic Effect of Stem Cells from Different Sources on Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy from different sources on the ankle-brachial index, wound closure percentage, and wound closure time in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library's Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science, extending through June 29, 2023. Quality evaluation was done using the Cochrane's bias risk assessment tool (RoB 2.0). Employing a Bayesian approach, the statistical computations was executed with the JAGS software, leveraging the gemtc 0.8-2 and rjags 4-10 libraries, within the R environment 4.1.2. The included interventions came from peripheral blood, bone marrow, placenta, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, or others. A preliminary search identified 2286 articles, of which 23 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included. The analysis findings indicated that mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord (HUCMSCs) led to a notable enhanced the ankle-brachial index in patients with DFUs compared to standard treatment (MD: 0.2; 95% CI [0.01, 0.36]). HUCMSCs were found to be the optimal therapeutic approach for enhancing the ankle-brachial index (SUCRA = 82.7%). Research on the wound closure percentage revealed that compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP), processed microvascular tissue (PMVT), peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy (ABMSCT), adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), and dehydrated human umbilical cord allograft (EpiCord), Huoxue Shengji Decoction (HXSJD) + ABMSCT (H_Group_hematopoietic) significantly increased the wound closure percentage in DFU patients (P < 0.05). According to the SUCRA ranking, HXSJD + ABMSCT was the best therapeutic method to increase the percentage of wound closure (SUCRA = 93.8%). This study employed a network meta-analysis method, combining direct and indirect comparisons, to analyze the latest clinical data and concluded that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and the combination of HXSJD + autologous bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell treatment as adjunctive therapies for DFUs may have beneficial effects. Future research needs to focus on this.

Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction and Microfragmented Adipose Tissue for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review

Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction and Microfragmented Adipose Tissue for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review

Role of Autologous Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue in Osteoarthritis Treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common complex musculoskeletal disorder, resulting from the degeneration of the articular cartilage and characterized by joint pain and dysfunction that culminate in progressive articular cartilage loss. We present our experience in the management of hip and knee OA by means of the intra-articular injection of fat micrograft, describing our approach, which was developed from the belief in the powerful reparative effect of autologous fat graft on damaged tissue, as well as its natural lubricating effect on the joints. Inclusion criteria were as follows: men and women, aged 20 to 80 years, that referred articular pain of the hips and/or knees, showing initial-stage degenerative OA. From October 2018 to July 2023, a total of 250 patients underwent treatment with the Sefficare® device (SEFFILINE srl, Bologna, Italy). The Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection device was used to perform autologous regenerative treatments in a safe, standardized, easy, and effective way on 160 women, 64%, and 90 men, 36%. A total of 190 procedures (76%) involved the knees, with 20 patients who were bilaterally treated, while 60 procedures, all unilateral, involved the hips (24%). The mean age at treatment was 52.4 years. Before treatment, each patient had undergone X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the painful hip/knee to evaluate and grade the articular OA. Postoperatively, each patient was assessed after one, three, six, and twelve months. The donor site postoperative course was uneventful other than minimal discomfort. Clinically, the ROM (range of motion) of the treated knee/hip increased an average of 10 degrees 3 months after treatment, but the stiffness was reduced, as reported by the patients. The VAS (Visual Analog Scale) was submitted at 3, 6, and 12 months, demonstrating a progressive reduction of pain, with the best score obtained at six months postoperatively. In total, 85% of patients were satisfied one year after treatment, with a considerable improvement in pain and quality of life. The satisfactory outcome of this minimally invasive procedure indicates that the intra-articular injection of fat micrograft can replace or considerably delay the need for the classical major joint replacement surgery, thanks to its impact on the quality of life of patients and financial cost.

Stone-induced urethral fistula treatment with microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells: a case report from veterinary medicine with potential application in humans

Stone-induced urethral fistula treatment with microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells: a case report from veterinary medicine with potential application in humans

ADIPOSE CELLULAR INJECTION IN THE TREATMENT OF AN INTRASUBSTANCE ACHILLES TENDON TEAR

Introduction: We describe a case report of a patient who presented with chronic right Achilles tendon pain and weakness. Without contrast, magnetic resonance imaging of the right Achilles tendon revealed significant expansion of the Achilles tendon in the traverse and anteroposterior dimension with extensive increased T2 signal consistent with large partial-thickness Achilles tendon tear. A musculoskeletal ultrasound using a linear transducer demonstrated an anechoic tendon defect measuring 0.97 cm in the longitudinal axis with a total tendon length measuring 1.53 cm, as well as a 0.9 cm defect in the transverse axis surrounded by homogenous tendon fibers consistent with a large defect involving the distal Achilles tendon proximal to the distal insertion. The patient underwent an ultrasound-guided adipose cellular procedure using micronized fat to fill in the defect and facilitate pain reduction and tissue healing.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue of Achilles tendon defect can result in significant improvement in pain and function

The Healing and Aging-related Properties of Adipose Tissue Fragments Obtained through the Guided SEFFI Procedure’s Mechanical Fragmentation are Facilitated by the Exosomes Present in the Final Injection

The Injection of autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) into dermal and subdermal layers can improve skin volume and rejuvenation. The SEFFI (Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection) technique, which involves minimal manipulation of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue, was utilized for harvesting and re-injection, using the SEFFILLER™ disposable medical device. Mechanical fragmentation of adipose tissue is a well-established surgical technique that stimulates tissue regeneration, filler, and biological activity. The study evaluated the biological properties (regenerative and anti-aging) of different harvest and processing fat graft methods among which the fragmented adipose tissue, specifically focusing on the presence of exosomes. Exosomes, nanometer-sized vesicles produced by cells for cellular communication, were found to contain miRNAs with anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and vascular content. The products’ contained exosomes were confirmed in the study through electron microscopy, Western Blotting, gene expression, and sequencing of miRNA content.

Recent Trends in Adipose Tissue-Derived Injectable Therapies for Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review of Animal Models.

Background and Objectives: This scoping review investigates recent trends in adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) in animal models, focusing on minimally manipulated or lightly processed adipose tissue. By evaluating and examining the specific context in which these therapies were investigated across diverse animal OA models, this review aims to provide valuable insights that will inform and guide future research and clinical applications in the ongoing pursuit of effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This research conducted a comprehensive literature review of PubMed and Embase to determine studies about minimally manipulated adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis investigated using animal models. The primary search found 530 results. After excluding articles that focused on spontaneous osteoarthritis; on transfected, preconditioned, cultured, or co-cultured adipose-derived stem cells; and articles with unavailable full text, we included 11 articles in our review. Results: The examined therapies encompassed mechanical micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained via collagenase digestion and centrifugation. These interventions were evaluated across various animal models, including mice, rats, rabbits, and sheep with induced OA. Notably, more studies concentrated on surgically induced OA rather than chemically induced OA. The assessment of these therapies focused on elucidating their protective immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and chondroregenerative potential through comprehensive evaluations, including macroscopic assessments, histological analyses, immunohistochemical examinations, and biochemical assays. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis across diverse animal models. While revealing potential benefits and insights, the heterogeneity of data and the limited number of studies highlight the need for further research to formulate conclusive recommendations for clinical applications.

Clinical results in patients affected by moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis and treated with micro-fragmented adipose tissue: the therapeutic effects on symptomatology.

Osteoarthrosis is a degenerative musculoskeletal disease that presents a major public health problem, due to the increasing average age of the active population, as well as the increasing percentage of obesity or overweight of the general population. New therapeutic approaches have been developed, such as regenerative medicine that uses mesenchymal stromal cells taken from adipose tissue. This study analyzed the clinical potential benefits of using autologous adipose tissue to treat patients with moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis.In 2021, a total of 50 knees, affected by moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis, were treated with an intra-articular injection of micro-fragmented subcutaneous adipose tissue. Patients were submitted to the KOOS questionnaire before the operation and one year after the operation and VAS pain score at time 0, 3, 6, 12 months.Of the 50 patients treated, 2 patients were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 48 patients, improvements have been achieved in all subclasses of KOOS. In particular, VAS score proves that improvements are more considerable starting from the 3rd month after surgery.The results obtained in this study show the safety and potential benefit of the use of autologous micro-fragmented adipose on people who are affected by moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis.

The relationship of body mass index on patient reported outcomes after platelet-rich plasma versus microfragmented adipose tissue for knee osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Body mass index (BMI) is known to contribute to outcomes for patients with knee OA. Furthermore, BMI influences the protein expression of orthobiologic treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT). We performed a secondary analysis of the association of BMI with PROs for patients with knee OA who received either PRP or MFAT injections. Seventy-one patients with knee OA were randomized to receive a single ultrasound-guided injection of PRP or MFAT. PRP was created from 180cc of anti-coagulated blood and processed using a double-spin, buffy-coat concentration system. MFAT was created using autologous lipoaspirate that was processed according to minimal manipulation guidelines. PROs, and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS) were tracked for 12-months. Forty-nine patients (PRP=23, MFAT=26) completed 12-month follow-up. KOOS- Quality of life and activity of daily living subscores were inversely correlated (both p < 0.05) with BMI in the MFAT but not PRPgroup. KOOS-Pain and Sport subscores showed a trend towards inverse correlation with BMI in the MFAT group (p = 0.07 and p = 0.06, respectively), but not PRP.Conclusion: BMI was negatively associated with PROs in patients who received MFAT injections for knee OA, but not for patients receiving PRP.

A Gender-Bias-Mitigated, Data-Driven Precision Medicine System to Assist in the Selection of Biological Treatments of Grade 3 and 4 Knee Osteoarthritis: Development and Preliminary Validation of precisionKNEE.

Objective To identify key variables predictive of patient responses to microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) treatment in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and evaluate its potential to delay or mitigate the need for total knee replacement (TKR). Methods We utilised a dataset comprising 329 patients treated with MFAT for KOA, incorporating variables such as gender, age, BMI, arthritic aetiology, radiological grade, and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) pre- and post-treatment. We employed random forest regressors for model training and testing, with gender bias mitigation and outlier detection to enhance prediction accuracy. Model performance was assessed through root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), with further validation in a TKR-suitable patient subset. Results The model achieved a test RMSE of 6.72 and an MAE of 5.38, reflecting moderate predictive accuracy across the patient cohort. Stratification by gender revealed no statistically significant differences between actual and predicted OKS improvements (p-values: males = 0.93, females = 0.92). For the subset of patients suitable for TKR, the model presented an increased RMSE of 9.77 and MAE of 7.81, indicating reduced accuracy in this group. The decision tree analysis identified pre-operative OKS, radiological grade, and gender as significant predictors of post-treatment outcomes, with pre-operative OKS being the most critical determinant. Patients with lower pre-operative OKS showed varying responses based on radiological severity and gender, suggesting a nuanced interaction between these factors in determining treatment efficacy. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of MFAT as a non-surgical alternative for KOA treatment, emphasising the importance of personalised patient assessments. While promising, the predictive model warrants further refinement and validation with a larger, more diverse dataset to improve its utility in clinical decision-making for KOA management.

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Is Equivalent to Platelet-Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis at 12 Months Posttreatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) is another orthobiologic that holds promise, but data supporting its use are limited. Previous studies showed that MFAT created using the Lipogems device was equivalent to PRP created via noncommercial laboratory-based processes. To perform a comparison of commercially available MFAT and PRP systems for treatment of knee OA. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 71 patients with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-4) were randomized to receive a single injection of either leukocyte-rich PRP (Angel; Arthrex) or MFAT (Lipogems) under ultrasound guidance. Patient-reported outcomes (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], visual analog scale for pain with activities of daily living [VAS pain], and Tegner activity level) were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after injection. The primary outcome was the KOOS-Pain subscale score at 12 months after injection. Overall, 49 patients completed their 12-month follow-up (PRP group, n = 23; MFAT group, n = 26). All demographic features were similar between groups, except that more men were randomized to the PRP group and more women to the MFAT group. At 12 months posttreatment, KOOS-Pain scores improved in both groups, with no significant group difference (PRP, 78 ± 17.9 vs MFAT, 77.8 ± 19.3; P = .69). Similarly, other KOOS subscales, VAS pain scores, and Tegner scores improved at 12 months, with no differences between treatment groups. Both PRP and MFAT injections for knee OA resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes at 12 months posttreatment, with no differences found between treatments. NCT04351087 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Regenerative Medicine Solutions for Rotator Cuff Injuries in Athletes: Indications and Outcomes.

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries include a wide range of pathologic states. Athletes are perhaps the most susceptible to RC injuries ranging from tendinopathy to partial or full-thickness tears, due to functional overload and repetitive movements, causing abstention from sports for long periods. Regenerative medicine keeps giving us multiple choices to fight the disability caused by these pathologies. A literature search was performed, and findings related to the structure-function of rotator cuff units, pathophysiology of injuries, regenerative medicine treatments, and future strategies were outlined. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a greater number of articles and clinical trials, accompanied by stem cells progenitor, prolotherapy, and new approaches such as microfragmented adipose tissue and exosomes. RC injuries in athletes can cause pain, functional impotence, and the risk of recurrence, and can lead them to stop playing sports. Regenerative medicine offers a range of treatments, but some of them need further studies to underline their actual validity.

Adipose derived stem cells versus micro-fragmented adipose tissue in cartilage tissue regeneration and repair

Adipose derived stem cells versus micro-fragmented adipose tissue in cartilage tissue regeneration and repair

Autologous microfragmented adipose tissue treatment of knee osteoarthritis demonstrates effectiveness in 68% of patients at 4-year follow-up.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells are an interesting therapeutic option for early knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment due to their high plasticity, easiness of harvesting and rapidity of administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term effectiveness and safety of Microfragmented Autologous Fat Tissue (MFAT) injection treatment at 4-year follow-up and to investigate potential correlations among patients' pre-treatment clinical condition and clinical outcomes to identify possible predicting factors for procedure success or failure. This is a prospective trial enrolling 46 patients with diagnosis of symptomatic knee OA and failure of previous conservative measures who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and single autologous MFAT injection between June 2017 and July 2018. Patients were assessed with repeated clinical scoring systems at baseline, 6months, 1 and 4years after surgery. The evaluation included demographic characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and stem cell number from injected tissue. No major complications were reported during follow-up period and there was a significant increase of Lysholm knee score from baseline value of 61.7 ± 13.8 to 79.5 ± 16.9 at 4years (p < 0.001). The WOMAC score increased from a baseline value of 66.5 ± 14.7 to 82.8 ± 15.7 at 4years (p < 0.001) and there was a significant decrease of VAS pain score from baseline value of 6.3 ± 1.5 to 3.5 ± 2.6 at 4-year follow-up (p < 0.001). ROM improved significantly from 118.4 ± 2.6 to 122.5 ± 2.5 at 12months (p < 0.001), but did not improve at 4years (p > 0.05). 15 patients (32.6%) were considered treatment failures, because they required secondary surgery, further injection therapy or experienced symptoms persistence. Patient with synovitis had 75% failure rate, although synovitis did not result as a statistically significant factor influencing clinical outcome up to 4-year follow-up (p = 0.058). Age, cartilage defects severity, BMI, concomitant procedures, and stem cell number from injected MFAT did not show any significant correlation with the results. MFAT intra-articular injection is a safe procedure with positive improvements up to 4-year follow-up in patients with early knee OA. These findings suggest MFAT could be a minimally invasive treatment of early knee OA with durable benefits at mid-term evaluation. IRB number ID-3522.

Mid-term outcomes of microfragmented adipose tissue plus arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, active-control, multicenter clinical trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of degenerative whole-joint disease. Before the final option of knee replacement, arthroscopic surgery was the most widely used joint-preserving surgical treatment. Emerging regenerative therapies, such as those involving platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells, and microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), have been pushed to the forefront of treatment to prevent the progression of OA. Currently, MFAT has been successfully applied to treat different types of orthopedic diseases. To assess the efficacy and safety of MFAT with arthroscopic surgery in patients with knee OA (KOA). A randomized, multicenter study was conducted between June 2017 and November 2022 in 10 hospitals in Zhejiang, China. Overall, 302 patients diagnosed with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2-3) were randomized to the MFAT group (n = 151, were administered MFAT following arthroscopic surgery), or the control group (n = 151, were administered hyaluronic acid following arthroscopic surgery). The study outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Lequesne index score, the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS), and safety over a 24-mo period from baseline. The changes in the WOMAC score (including the three subscale scores), VAS pain score, and Lequesne index score at the 24-mo mark were significantly different in the MFAT and control groups, as well as when comparing values at the posttreatment visit and those at baseline (P < 0.001). The MFAT group consistently demonstrated significant decreases in the WOMAC pain scores and VAS scores at all follow-ups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the WOMAC stiffness score, WOMAC function score, and Lequesne index score differed significantly between the groups at 12 and 24 mo (P < 0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in the WORMS at 24 mo (P = 0.367). No serious adverse events occurred in both groups. The MFAT injection combined with arthroscopic surgery treatment group showed better mid-term clinical outcomes compared to the control group, suggesting its efficacy as a therapeutic approach for patients with KOA.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ АУТОЛОГИЧНОЙ МИКРОФРАГМЕНТИРОВАННОЙ АДИПОЗНОЙ ТКАНИ В ЛЕЧЕНИИ ПОСТЛУЧЕВОГО ЯЗВЕННОГО ПРОКТИТА

Abstract. Introduction. Radiation-induced ulcerative proctitis is a serious complication of cancer radiotherapy for prostate, cervix, uterine body, anal canal, and other pelvic tumors. Given the development pattern, there are currently no pathogenetic methods for the treatment of radiation-induced ulcerative proctitis. Aim: To develop a technique for and evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of patients with radiation-induced rectal ulcers using autologous microfragmented adipose tissue. Materials and Methods. The study included 30 patients, of which 24 (80.0%) were women and 6 (20.0%) were men. Manual lipoaspiration was used to obtain autologous adipose tissue. Then we performed its microfragmentation via transfers. Concentrated autologous adipose tissue was introduced into the edges of the radiation-induced ulcerative defect on the rectal wall under endoscopic control. При контрольной ректоскопии через 6 месяцев у 28 (93,3 %) пациентов была отмечена полная эпителизация постлучевых язвенных дефек- тов прямой кишки. Results and Discussion. The manipulation, from sampling the adipose tissue through the end of injection lasted a little more than an hour (Me = 75.0 min). No intraoperative complications were detected. In one female patient (3.3%), a local recurrence of cervical cancer was found, and therefore that patient was excluded from the study. Control rectoscopy showed the complete epithelialization of post-radiation ulcerative rectal defects in 28 (93.3%) patients after 6 months. Conclusions. The technique proposed to use autologous microfragmented adipose tissue is affordable and effective in the treatment of patients with radiation-induced ulcerative proctitis.

Microfragmented adipose tissue in the treatment of a full-thickness supraspinatus tear: a case report.

A 70-year-old female presented with an 8-month history of right anterior shoulder pain and weakness, unresolved with conservative management. Among other shoulder pathology, the patient was diagnosed with a full-thickness supraspinatus tear and elected to proceed with the microfragmented adipose tissue procedure to treat the injured tendon and nearby relevant structures. Improvements in pain and function were documented along with progressive healing of the supraspinatus on ultrasound and MRI following the procedure. This case demonstrates the efficacy of microfragmented adipose tissue as a relatively novel approach to treating non-retracted, full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Morphological, histological and biomechanical comparison of bone marrow aspirate concentrate, micro-fragmented adipose tissue and platelet-rich plasma in prevention of tendon adhesion

Flexor tendon repair often leads to peritendinous adhesions, reducing finger motion and hand function. This study compares the effects of stromal cells from different sources and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on adhesion formation after tendon repair. Forty rabbits had their flexor digitorum profundus tendons transected and repaired with a modified Kessler suture technique. The control group received an isotonic solution. PRP, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) were injected in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits wore casts for 2 weeks. Assessments included morphology, histopathology, range of motion (ROM), and biomechanical testing at the 3rd and 8th weeks. At 3 weeks, the BMAC group had the thickest and longest adhesions, the highest Tang Score, and inflammation score. However, at 8 weeks, the BMAC group had the lowest Tang Score and inflammation score. ROM was higher in the PRP group at 3 weeks and BMAC group at 8 weeks. No significant differences were found between BMAC and MFAT groups in adhesion measurements. Biomechanical parameters were higher in BMAC and MFAT groups at 8 weeks compared to control. BMAC therapy after primary flexor tendon repair improves adhesion formation and maintains ROM. It also enhances the biomechanical properties of the flexor tendon during the later stages of healing.

The Effects of Autologous Stem Cells from Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint, the most common form of knee arthritis, is the gradual degeneration of joint cartilage. A progression of OA is characterized by the degradation and degeneration of the articular cartilage with subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation and inflammation leading to bone-on-bone contact causing pain, stiffness, and functional difficulties and disability. OA affects the patient’s quality of life and creates a significant financial burden on the health care system. This retrospective study collected data from patients who received autologous MSCs injections of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and/or micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT). Data from patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected pre-treatment and at post-treatment follow-ups and correspondences. Surveys distributed included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR), and a patient satisfaction survey. Out of 151 patients that met clinical criteria, 103 patients (159 knees) had appropriate follow up data. Of the 103 patients, 25 patients had knee arthroscopy prior to stem cell injection. 63 patients received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections within 12 months and five patients had conversion to Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). BMAC, MFAT graft, and BMAC and MFAT graft groups showed significant improvement in both VAS and KOOS, JR between baseline and 3,6,12, and 24 months post-treatment (p&lt;0.00001). Among BMAC only patients, KL grade breakdown showed significant improvement in VAS and KOOS, JR scores within 24 months post-treatment across all grades (2-4).