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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Human Adipose Tissue Micro-fragmentation for Cell Phenotyping and Secretome Characterization
Published on: October 20, 2019
Fat Harvesting for Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue Injections: A Pilot Study Comparing Safety in Procedures Performed
Bruno Butturi Varone1, Rodrigo Bernstein Conde2, Chilan B G Leite1,3
1Knee Group, Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Hospital das Clínicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
To compare short-term complication rates of small-volume adipose tissue harvesting for micro-fragmented adipose tissue (mFAT) knee injections performed by orthopedic surgeons with those performed by plastic surgeons. Additionally, to evaluate the orthopedic surgeon's learning curve.
Methods:
The present case-control study enrolled patients with knee osteoarthritis. All patients underwent a single-stage procedure consisting of abdominal adipose tissue harvesting, processing of the extracted material using the Lipogems (Lipogems International SpA) device to obtain mFAT, which was then injected intra-articularly into the knee. The patients were divided into a test group, with harvesting being performed by a recently trained orthopedic surgeon, and a control group, in which the procedure was performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Short-term adverse effects, minor and major complications related to harvesting, were assessed intraoperatively and at 7-day follow-up.
Results:
No major complications (fat embolism, thromboembolic events, abdominal perforation, wound infection, dehiscence, or cosmetic changes) were observed in either group. Abdominal discomfort during harvesting, classified as a minor complication, showed no statistically significant difference between groups ( p = 0.362). Postoperative adverse effects, such as abdominal ecchymosis ( p = 0.362) and discomfort ( p = 0.342), were equivalent in both groups and resolved within 7 days.
Conclusion:
The present pilot study suggests that, with adequate training, orthopedic surgeons can perform small-volume adipose tissue harvesting with low complication rates, comparable to those achieved by plastic surgeons experienced in liposuction.
Insights
Orthopedic surgeons can safely harvest adipose tissue for micro-fragmented adipose tissue (mFAT) knee injections. Complication rates are comparable to experienced plastic surgeons, indicating a successful learning curve for orthopedic specialists.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Plastic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease.
- Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (mFAT) injections are emerging as a treatment option.
- Adipose tissue harvesting is a key step in mFAT preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare short-term complication rates of adipose tissue harvesting for mFAT knee injections.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of orthopedic surgeons performing adipose tissue harvesting.
- To evaluate the learning curve of orthopedic surgeons in adipose tissue harvesting.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Abdominal adipose tissue harvesting using the Lipogems device.
- Comparison between a recently trained orthopedic surgeon and an experienced plastic surgeon.
Main Results:
- No major complications were observed in either group.
- Minor complications like abdominal discomfort were similar between groups (p=0.362).
- Postoperative ecchymosis and discomfort were equivalent and resolved within 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Orthopedic surgeons can perform adipose tissue harvesting with low complication rates.
- Adequate training enables orthopedic surgeons to achieve results comparable to plastic surgeons.
- This supports the integration of adipose tissue harvesting into orthopedic practice.
