Adipose-Derived Therapies for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Do They Work and Are They Safe?

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Adipose-derived therapies, including micronized adipose tissue, enzymatically extracted stromal vascular fraction, or culture-expanded adipose-derived stromal cells, have become promising within the field of orthobiologics due to their potential to support tissue healing and possible utility as a treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Several recent randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of adipose-derived therapies in improving pain and function in patients with knee KOA. However, despite the growing interest and numerous studies conducted, follow-up is often short-term and there is significant variability in preparation methods and cell concentration in the literature.

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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