Volumetric Analysis in Autologous Fat Grafting to the Foot

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)

Background Pedal fat grafting is a safe, minimally invasive approach to treat pedal fat pad atrophy. Prior randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the fat as measured directly under the metatarsal heads disappears between 2 and 6 months after fat grafting, despite patients having relief for 2 years. The authors aim to use magnetic resonance imaging to further assess three-dimensional volume of fat in the foot after autologous fat grafting to help explain the mechanism for improved pain. Methods A prospective study was performed using magnetic resonance imaging before and at 6 months after pedal fat grafting to assess changes in the three-dimensional morphology of the fat. Results Seventeen patients (six men and 11 women) underwent injections with a mean volume of 5.8 cc per foot. At 6 months, patients demonstrated increased tissue thickness (p = 0.008) and volume (p = 0.04). Improvements were seen in pain (p Conclusions Pedal fat grafting significantly increases metatarsal fat pad volume. The distribution of the fat may contribute to lasting clinical relief in these patients. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.

Evidence level

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

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