Functional Outcomes Following Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Versus Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injections for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether autologous orthobiologic tissue source affects pain and functional outcomes in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) who received microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injection. We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from patients who received BMAC or MFAT injection for symptomatic knee OA. Patients completed baseline and follow‐up surveys. Each survey included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, Emory Quality of Life (EQOL) questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. The follow‐up responses were compared with baseline for all patients and between BMAC and MFAT groups. A total of 110 patients met inclusion criteria, with 76 patients (BMAC 41, MFAT 35) and 106 knees (BMAC 58, MFAT 48) having appropriate follow‐up data. The BMAC group included 17 females and 24 males, with a mean age of 59 ± 11 years. The MFAT group included 23 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 63 ± 11 years. Minimum follow‐up time was 0.5 years. Mean follow‐up time was 1.80 ± 0.88 years for BMAC and 1.09 ± 0.49 years for MFAT. Both groups had significant improvement in EQOL, VAS, and all KOOS parameters preprocedure versus postprocedure (p < .001). There was not a significant difference when comparing postprocedure scores between groups (p = .09, .38, .63, .94, .17, .15, .70, respectively). These data demonstrate significant improvement in pain and function with both MFAT and BMAC injections in patients with symptomatic knee OA without a significant difference in improvement when comparing the two autologous tissue sources. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1149–1156

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“…In a retrospective study on 76 patients (and 106 knees) no statistical difference in functional outcome or quality of life was seen between intra articular MFAT and bone marrow aspirate concentrate knee injection in osteoarthritis patients [58]. MFAT was easier and less invasive to harvest compared to bone marrow and with no any side effects.…”

Percutaneous Arthroscopic Assisted Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Repair

“… 8 , 15 This is because of the superior healing potential and vascularity of the MCL in comparison to the ACL. 16 Treatment of grade III MCL injuries remains a topic of controversy, especially with concomitant ACL injury. 17 , 18 , 19 Some surgeons advocate MCL surgery alongside ACLR, whereas others prefer a conservative approach.…”

The Rationale of Autologously Prepared Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for use in Regenerative Medicine Applications

“…Recently, a similar (retrospective) study was executed by Mautner and associates. Patients were prospectively treated either with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) or micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections, for symptomatic knee OA [121]. The follow-up responses consisted of 76 patients (with 106 knees).…”