Autologous orthobiologic · adipose-derived
Microfragmented adipose (mFAT).
An image-guided injection of your own fat tissue, harvested and minimally processed the same day, to provide structural and cushioning support within the joint.
mFAT
What microfragmented adipose is.
mFAT uses your own fat tissue (adipose). A small amount is harvested through a brief mini-liposuction, usually from the flank or abdomen, then mechanically broken down into microfragments and rinsed of excess fluid the same day, in our on-site lab. It involves no enzymes, no culture expansion, and no donor tissue.
Fat sits within a natural framework of connective tissue called extracellular matrix. Returned to the joint, the processed tissue acts as a structural graft. Its matrix adds cushioning and structural support, which is the basic job fat tissue does in the body.
It isn't right for everyone. Whether it fits depends on your joint, your imaging, and your history, and we work that out with you at your consultation.
Regulatory considerations
Adipose tissue harvested for orthopedic procedures undergoes a short centrifugation process to remove excess saline used in the harvest infiltration process. We use your own fat tissue only by injection, and only to cushion and support a structural area. We have never given fat tissue by IV or through the nose.
The tissue is processed using minimal manipulation in accordance with 21 CFR 1271.3(f), performed under homologous use (21 CFR 1271.3(c)), and harvested, processed, and applied during the same procedure. It is autologous, your own tissue, used only for you. No claims are made regarding guaranteed outcomes, permanent structural repair, or disease modification.
Where we use it
Joints we most often consider for mFAT.
mFAT is most often considered for larger, load-bearing joints, or joints with wear in several areas, where added cushioning and structural support is the goal. It's also an option when a bone marrow harvest is less suitable.
Knee
Diffuse or multi-compartment knee wear, where a cushioning structural graft is the goal.
Hip
Load-bearing hip joint pain where structural, cushioning support is the aim.
Shoulder
Wear in the main ball-and-socket shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint), where cushioning support is the aim, for people not ready for a replacement.
Diffuse joint wear
Multi-compartment or widespread joint involvement, not a single focal lesion.
Peri-articular support
Where added cushioning or structural support around a load-bearing joint is the goal, case by case.
When BMAC isn't ideal
Patients for whom bone marrow harvest is less suitable on a given day.
Case-by-case
Other joints where cushioning or structural support is the goal, considered case by case.
The procedure
What to expect on the day.
mFAT is a single in-clinic visit. Harvest, processing, and injection all happen within the same procedure, typically one to two hours start to finish.
Consultation & imaging
Exam and review of your imaging confirm the target and whether mFAT or bone marrow is the better source for your joint.
Fat harvest
A small volume of adipose is taken by mini-liposuction from the flank or abdomen under local anesthesia.
Same-day processing
The tissue is mechanically microfragmented and briefly spun in a centrifuge on-site to remove excess saline. This is minimal manipulation, with no enzymes.
Image-guided injection
The prepared tissue is delivered to the joint or target under ultrasound guidance, with functional follow-up scheduled.
Talking it through
When mFAT is the right tool.
mFAT is usually considered for larger, load-bearing joints, or joints with wear in several areas, when you want a same-day option made from your own tissue. Whether mFAT, bone marrow, or another path makes sense is something we work out together at your consultation.
What we look at together
- Knee, hip, or shoulder joint wear confirmed on imaging
- Diffuse or multi-compartment joint involvement
- Want an autologous, same-day, patient-derived option
- Not ready for, or wanting to delay, joint replacement
- Have tried PT, activity modification, or prior injections
Frequently asked
mFAT questions.
How is mFAT different from bone marrow (BMAC)? +
Both are your own tissue, processed the same day. BMAC concentrates cells from bone marrow drawn from your pelvis. mFAT uses your own fat as a structural graft that adds cushioning. Which one fits depends on your joint, your imaging, and your history. Dr. Glowney recommends a source after going over these with you.
How is mFAT different from PRP? +
PRP delivers concentrated platelets and growth factors from your blood. mFAT delivers your own fat tissue as a graft that adds cushioning and structural support. PRP is often the first option for tendon problems and early joint wear. mFAT is more often considered for larger, load-bearing joints, or joints with wear in several areas, where a cushioning graft is the goal.
Is any of this donor tissue or a "stem cell" from someone else? +
No. Every component comes from your own body on the day of your procedure. We use only your own (autologous) tissue. We don't use donor-derived, umbilical cord, placental, or amniotic products, and we don't grow cells in culture.
What is recovery like? +
The harvest site (flank or abdomen) is typically sore and bruised for a few days, much like a minor liposuction. Most patients are back to ordinary daily activity within a few days and avoid heavy exercise for about a week. We check how the joint is working at 6 and 12 weeks.
What are the risks and side effects? +
mFAT involves two sites: the place where fat is taken (your flank or abdomen) and the joint where it is placed. At the harvest site, expect soreness, bruising, and some swelling for several days, and a small scar where the cannula went in. Less often, the skin there can feel numb for a while or end up slightly uneven. The treated joint is often sore and swollen for a few days afterward. As with any procedure that breaks the skin, infection and bleeding are possible at either site, though uncommon. Reactions to the local anesthetic are rare. Call us at 720-550-6175 if you have a fever, redness or warmth that spreads, swelling that keeps getting worse, or bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure.
Does insurance cover mFAT? +
Usually not. Most insurance plans don't cover adipose-derived procedures. We discuss the cost with you when you book your service and supply HSA/FSA reimbursement documentation where applicable.
Related therapies
Adjacent options.
Schedule a call
Find out if mFAT fits your joint.
Dr. Glowney examines you, reviews your imaging, and gives you an honest recommendation. That might be mFAT, bone marrow, PRP, or a different path. The consultation is the same regardless of what comes next.
720-550-6175