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 is microfragmented adipose?
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. No enzymes, no culture expansion, no donor tissue.
Fat is held within a natural scaffold of extracellular matrix and is one of the body's densest reservoirs of mesenchymal signaling cells. Returned to the joint, the processed tissue acts as a structural graft: its natural matrix adds cushioning and structural support, the homologous function of adipose tissue. It also carries the cells and signaling factors native to your own fat.
It sits alongside bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) as one of two autologous cell sources we use. Neither is right for every patient; which one fits is a clinical decision based on your joint, your imaging, and your history.
Regulatory considerations
Adipose tissue harvested for orthopedic procedures undergoes a short centrifugation process to remove excess saline used in the harvest infiltration process. Adipose-based cellular therapy is only employed for orthopedic treatment by injection, never for intravenous infusion or intranasal delivery.
The tissue is processed using minimal manipulation in accordance with 21 CFR 1271.1(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 it earns its place
Joints we most often consider for mFAT.
mFAT is most often considered for larger, load-bearing or diffusely involved joints, where a fuller autologous biologic and a structural, cushioning scaffold are useful, or where bone marrow harvest is less ideal.
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
Glenohumeral joint wear in patients who aren't ready for replacement.
Diffuse joint pain
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 orthopedic joint and soft-tissue pathology, evaluated individually.
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 centrifuged on-site to remove excess saline, minimal manipulation, no enzymes.
Image-guided injection
The prepared tissue is delivered to the joint or target under ultrasound guidance, with functional follow-up scheduled.
Is this you?
When mFAT is the right tool.
mFAT tends to fit larger, load-bearing or diffusely involved joints in patients who want an autologous, same-day option and aren't ready for joint replacement. Whether mFAT, bone marrow, or another path is right is exactly what a consultation is for.
✓ Likely a fit
- 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 aspirated from your pelvis. mFAT uses your own fat, which acts as a structural scaffold and cushion and also carries the cells and signaling factors native to your fat. Which one fits is a clinical decision based on your joint, your imaging, and your history; Dr. Glowney chooses the source: it isn't a menu option.
How is mFAT different from PRP? +
PRP delivers concentrated platelets and growth factors from your blood. mFAT delivers your own fat tissue: its cells, its extracellular matrix, and its scaffold structure. PRP is often the right first tool for tendon and early joint pathology; mFAT is more often considered for larger, load-bearing or diffusely involved joints where a fuller biologic and a cushioning scaffold are useful.
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 autologous biologic material only, no donor-derived, umbilical cord, placental, or amniotic products, and no culture expansion of cells.
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. The biologic response builds over weeks; we follow up on function at 6 and 12 weeks.
Does insurance cover mFAT? +
No. Most insurance plans classify adipose-derived biologic procedures as investigational or not medically necessary. We provide transparent pricing during consultation and supply HSA/FSA reimbursement documentation where applicable.
Related therapies
Adjacent options.
Schedule an mFAT consultation
Find out if mFAT fits your joint.
Dr. Glowney examines you, reviews your imaging, and recommends honestly: sometimes that's mFAT, sometimes bone marrow, sometimes PRP or a different path entirely. The consultation is the same regardless of what comes next.
Or call 720-550-6175