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Adipose tissue will be transplanted to treat joints
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Fat grafting surgery may become the main treatment for complications following joint injuries and arthrosis.
Specialists from the United States have conducted a series of experiments on the extraction, purification and transplantation of fat: in this case, stem cells will be obtained from adipose tissue, which will be in demand for the treatment of joint pathologies.
The initiators of this innovation were orthopedic surgeons, employees of the Center for Medicine at Rush University in Chicago. In fact, they improved the use of the already introduced Lipogems mechanism, which was approved last year for surgical plastic practice.
"This method can be called ideal for eliminating many orthopedic problems, such as joint arthrosis with limited mobility. In addition, we can use this technology to treat ligament and tendon anomalies," says Dr. Brian Cole.
Fat tissue is often used as a support material in transplants or regenerative procedures. According to Dr. Cole, fat is also valuable because it is an excellent source of stem cells, which are necessary to start the regenerative mechanism.
The specified technology consists of removing the fatty material, cleaning it from blood elements and other substances. As a result, purified, ready-to-use fat mass remains. Such a multi-stage procedure lasts no more than half an hour.
When such purified tissue is transplanted, its reabsorption does not occur: the tissue is implanted into the affected area without any obstacles. Over a long period of time, fat provides the best conditions for tissue restoration.
Experiments using adipose tissue have demonstrated that after transplantation, the clinical picture of joint pathology begins to improve within three weeks. The new method is preferably used in combination with conservative treatment: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy sessions are prescribed.
"The technology could be an excellent option for patients who, for one reason or another, are not candidates for a joint prosthesis. However, fat grafting could also be relevant as a way to delay prosthetics," Dr. Cole comments on the potential use of this method.
This spring, Dr. Cole was named the first physician to use fat grafting in knee arthroscopy. Indeed, fat had not been used to treat joints before.
"Several months have passed, but I am still concerned about the safety and potential of this method. But, it must be admitted that at the moment, the results of the treatment are pleasing to us," the scientist shares his impressions.
Today, orthopedic specialists at the University of Chicago are preparing for a new experiment, the purpose of which will be the use of purified fat tissue in the treatment of shoulder ligament damage with soft tissue rupture.
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