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Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue Injection Associated With Arthroscopic Procedures in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Retrospective Observational Study on the Treatment of Knee Chondral Lesions in Arthroscopy With Autologous and Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03527693
Acronym
LOOK
Enrollment
38
Registered
2018-05-17
Start date
2015-01-01
Completion date
2016-12-31
Last updated
2018-05-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Keywords

Knee Chondropathy, Osteoarthritis, Micro-fragmented fat.

Brief summary

The study aims to evaluate the effects of a single intra-articular injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue obtained with the Lipogems® system in patients affected by knee chondropathy. End-points were determined by evaluating the patients in terms of improvement in symptoms, functional recovery and radiographic appearance compared to baseline.

Detailed description

Background: The social impact of degenerative diseases is steadily increasing, because of the continued rise in the mean age of the active population. Articular cartilage lesions are generally associated with disability and symptoms such as joint pain and reduced function, and remain a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Several non-invasive solution have been proposed, but the results achieved to date are far from being completely satisfactory. Recently, new therapeutic approaches, such as the use of mesenchymal stem cells, have been developed. Among the many sources, the adipose tissue is nowadays considered one of the smartest, due to its abundance and easy access. The aim of this retrospective study is to explore whether patients affected by symptomatic knee osteoarthritis treated with micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with a chondral shaving procedure experience an improvement in symptoms and function. Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients affected by symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were treated in 2015 with an arthroscopic procedure associated with an injection of autologous and micro-fragmented adipose tissue. Micro-fragmented adipose tissue was obtained using a minimal manipulation technique in a closed system. Clinical outcomes were determined at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire and direct physical examination. Safety of the procedure, recording type and incidence of any adverse event, was also assessed.

Interventions

DEVICELipogems injection

Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (10 cc) was injected intra-articular after the arthroscopic procedure (shaving or shaving + meniscectomy).

Sponsors

Spotorno Foundation
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* knee chondropathy grade \> II (ICRS classification), * constant pain and failure of conservative treatments (physiokinesitherapy, corticosteroids, HA and/or PRP) for at least 12 months.

Exclusion criteria

* immune-mediated (non-infectious) synovitis * OA Kellgren-Lawrence grade \>3 * axial defects \>10° * metabolic disorders * BMI \> 40

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Clinical improvement documented with KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score).12 monthsChange in one or more of the 5 KOOS sub-scales (worst 0 - best 100) from baseline evaluation to 12 months follow-up. A minimum of 10 points improvement is considered a clinically relevant change.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AE)12 monthsSafety of the procedure, documenting characteristics and incidence of AE.

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 6, 2026