Fat Grafting for Chronic Tendinopathy

(ASSET Trial)

This trial explores whether injecting a person’s own processed fat, known as Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT), can reduce pain and improve function in painful tendons. It targets individuals who have experienced tendon pain for more than three months without relief from standard treatments like physical therapy or cortisone shots. Participants will undergo a one-time procedure where fat is extracted from their abdomen, processed, and injected into the affected tendon. The study aims to determine if this approach reduces pain and enhances tendon function. Ideal candidates have confirmed tendon pain that has not improved with conventional treatments. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment options for persistent tendon pain.

Research has shown that treatments using Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT), like the one in this study, are generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that patients receiving MFAT injections for tendon problems often experience fewer side effects compared to treatments like corticosteroids. In one study, researchers used MFAT to treat rotator cuff disease, a shoulder issue, with positive results and no serious side effects reported.

Unlike the standard treatments for chronic tendinopathy, which often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery, the treatment using Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) injection offers a novel approach by utilizing the body's own fat cells. This method involves harvesting a small amount of fat from the patient, processing it to concentrate the beneficial cells, and then injecting these directly into the affected tendon. The excitement around this treatment stems from its potential to not only relieve pain but also promote healing by harnessing the regenerative properties of the adipose stem/stromal cells. This approach could offer a less invasive and potentially more effective alternative to current options, with the added benefit of using the patient's own cells for treatment.

Research has shown that injecting a person's own processed fat, known as Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT), might help reduce pain and improve movement in individuals with chronic tendon problems. In this trial, all participants will undergo a single, one-time autologous fat grafting procedure using MFAT. Studies have found that patients receiving MFAT injections reported less pain and improved movement in the affected tendons. This treatment uses special cells from the patient's own fat to aid healing and reduce swelling in the injured tendon. Early results indicate that many patients experience relief for several months. Although more research is needed, these initial findings offer hope for those whose tendon pain hasn't improved with standard treatments.