Description
Purpose. This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MAT) injection in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis and whether any variables may affect the outcome. Method. This is a case series single-centre study in which patients underwent intraarticular MAT injection without any associated procedures. 49 patients (67 Knees) were included and retrospectively analysed with a mean follow-up of 34.04 ± 13.62 months (minimum 11 – maximum 59). Results. WOMAC and KOOS scores improved after treatment compared to baseline at all follow-ups with p < 0.001. Male gender and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 2 were associated with smaller improvement in WOMAC and KOOS scores up to 24 months. Moreover, the baseline score of the WOMAC pain and function influence the outcome. Patients with worse symptoms are more likely to reach the MCID. Conclusions. Intra-articular knee injection of MAT for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), recalcitrant to traditional conservative treatments, proved to be effective in a high percentage of cases.
