Part I: Our Fat
The fat in our body is a very useful source of energy storage, insulation and protection. Known more commonly in the medical community as “adipose tissue,” our fat is composed of three molecules joined together known as a “triglyceride”.
When we eat, our body absorbs the nutrients within the small intestine and breaks apart the sugar to fuel our activities in a process known as glycolysis.
Once the body has enough of this to maintain its cellular activity, it begins to store any excess in our fat. The more excess, the more fat present. This physiological process is an evolutionary safeguarding mechanism that provides the body with a stockpile of energy in case of times where food is not present. Before the great invention of grocery stores and markets with pre-packaged meats and vegetables, our hunter-gatherer ancestors would sometimes go days at a time without a meal, so the storing of energy became entirely necessary for survival.
Part II: What is MFAT?
In the world of orthobiologic treatments, MFAT, or micro-fragmented adipose tissue, has been a well-studied and documented topic in the use of regenerative healing for orthopedic issues. The micro fragments are rich in MSC’s (mesenchymal stem cells) and in conjunction with the adipose tissue acts as a powerful scaffold when injected to promote healing to structures such as tendons, ligaments and joints.
Derived from your own body, a small amount of adipose tissue is harvested (typically from the gluteal area) via a mini-liposuction and processed within a sterile laboratory setting. The adipose tissue is cleaned, fragmented and primed for reinjection into a target area. The MFAT is often coupled with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or even bone marrow concentrate (BMC) to further amplify the effects of the procedure. This matrix is then injected precisely into a problem area such as a tendon, ligament or joint space via ultrasound imaging.
Part III: Is MFAT The Right Option For Me?
Whether you are experiencing pain, discomfort or disability as a result of a large tear in a tendon or ligament (rotator cuff or meniscus tears), or suffering from chronic pain related to osteoarthritis, MFAT may be a viable option for treatment. In a 2023 study published in the Journal of Stem Cells, 302 patients with osteoarthritis across 10 hospitals were randomly split into two groups (a control group and a variable group). Their findings are summarized below:
“The researchers found significant differences in changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (including the three subscale scores), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Lequesne index score at the 24-month mark, as well as when comparing values at the post-treatment visit with baseline.
At all follow-ups, consistent, significant decreases in the WOMAC pain scores and VAS scores were seen in the MFAT group compared with the control group. At 12 and 24 months, there were significant differences between the groups in the WOMAC stiffness score, WOMAC function score, and Lequesne index score.”
At New Regeneration Orthopedics of Florida, our highly-specialized and trained physicians tailor a treatment plan that is both specific and customized to maximize healing and positive results. By using advanced regenerative techniques such as micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) therapy, we aim to provide targeted and effective solutions for conditions like osteoarthritis. Our approach is grounded in the latest scientific research and is designed to optimize healing and improve patient outcomes by focusing on the individual requirements of each case.
Whether addressing chronic pain, joint degeneration, or injury recovery, our team ensures that every aspect of the treatment plan is designed to deliver the best possible results.
We are proud to be treating and servicing patients at our local clinics in Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today.
Sources:
Cong-Zi Wu et al, Mid-term outcomes of microfragmented adipose tissue plus arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, active-control, multicenter clinical trial, World Journal of Stem Cells (2023). DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i12.1063
