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Human Adipose Tissue Micro-fragmentation for Cell Phenotyping and Secretome Characterization
Published on: October 20, 2019
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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.
Revista Brasileira De Ortopedia
|December 12, 2025
Summary
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.
