Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Versus Platelet-rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Comparative Trial

Overview

The study aims to conduct a randomized trial comparing the clinical outcomes of PRP (standard intervention) versus Microfragmented adipose tissue (investigational) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Hypothesis: Both interventions will result in significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. We hypothesize that Microfragmented adipose tissue will provide superior outcomes.

Background Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Standard of care treatments for knee OA include activity modification, weight loss, therapeutic exercise and injections like corticosteroids and viscosupplement. These commonly used non-operative treatments focus on symptom palliation, but are not disease modifying. Orthobiologics have emerged as a promising treatment for knee OA. The most widely studied orthobiologic is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a dense concentration of platelets derived from autologous whole blood and platelets are concentrated 2-5x compared to baseline. The platelets have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties.6 PRP has been shown superior to placebo and viscosupplement for knee OA in several clinical trials. While PRP is the most widely studied and used orthobiologic, it contains only platelets. Therefore, a simple, office-based intervention able to collect additional reparative cells to treat knee OA would be ideal. Adipose (fat) is a known source of reparative cells like pericytes and it can be easily and safely aspirated in the clinic. The adipose tissue aspiration and processing is accomplished through a simple process. After local anesthesia to the site of adipose aspiration (lower abdomen or buttock), 30ml of adipose is aspirated through a cannula. That adipose is then processed in accordance with FDA guidelines including minimal manipulation to remove oils.. Using minimally manipulated Microfragmented adipose tissue has been shown safe for use as injection therapy for knee OA for 3 years. Methods: Patients / Outcome Measures / Sample size: Patients with unilateral symptomatic knee OA will be recruited from the sports medicine and orthopedics clinics, as well as advertising flyers within the clinic. All patients' first visit will include a medical evaluation and assess best treatment plan for that patient, regardless of candidacy for this study. This evaluation includes x-rays of their knees as a standard part of the evaluation. If they meet criteria and choose to enroll, they will be randomly assigned to either the PRP or Microfragmented adipose tissuetreatment group. Patients will complete follow up visits and surveys at defined time points through 12 months.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes