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What MFAT is
MFAT is the patient’s fat tissue, mechanically fragmented and washed in a closed system without enzymes. The extracellular matrix and cells of the vessel walls are preserved. This distinguishes MFAT from SVF — enzymatically isolated cells, which are regulated as medicinal products in the EU.
How the procedure works
- Under local anaesthesia, 20–50 ml of fat is harvested from the abdomen or thigh through a 2–3 mm puncture.
- The tissue is processed in a single-use device for 15–20 minutes.
- The product is injected into the joint or next to the tendon under ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
What studies show
In small studies, some patients with knee osteoarthritis had less pain and stiffness. There are few large high-quality studies, and results vary. It has not been shown that the cells turn into cartilage or “grow” a joint; the effect is thought to be mainly anti-inflammatory.
When the method is discussed
Mostly in grade I–III osteoarthritis, when exercise therapy, weight loss and standard injections have not helped enough and surgery is not yet indicated. In severe osteoarthritis with deformity, joint replacement is usually discussed. The clinic physician decides.
How we help
We send your images to several clinics, including those that use MFAT. Each clinic gives its preliminary opinion and quotes its own price. Send a request.
Who it is not suitable for and possible risks
Contraindications
- Active infection — at the injection site or systemic, with fever.
- Active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy.
- Blood clotting disorders or a low platelet count. Anticoagulants are discussed with the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — the procedure is usually postponed.
- A corticosteroid injection into the same area in recent weeks.
- Severe stage IV osteoarthritis with axial deformity and joint destruction — joint replacement is usually discussed instead.
Possible risks
- Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days.
- Bruising where blood or fat tissue is taken.
- Rarely, infection. The procedure is therefore performed under sterile conditions with ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
- The effect may be absent or smaller than expected.
If any of these apply to you, mention it in your request. The coordinator will check with the clinic physician whether treatment is possible. Contact a coordinator.
Scientific evidence
Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:
- Pers YM et al. Adipose derived stem cells for regenerative therapy in osteoarticular diseases. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig, 2016.
- Pas HI et al. Stem cell injections in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature. Br J Sports Med, 2017.
Next steps: Treatment methods · Treatment cost · How treatment in Germany is organised
Questions about MFAT
The patient’s own fat tissue, mechanically processed without enzymes and injected into a joint or next to a tendon in a single procedure.
No, this has not been shown. Some patients have less pain; growth of new cartilage has not been demonstrated in humans.
Pain and swelling at the injection site, bruising and tenderness at the harvest site and, rarely, infection. The clinic physician discusses the risks before the procedure.
RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.
Your MRI (or CT, X-ray) report and the images if you have them, plus a short description of your symptoms and previous treatment. Send them via the form on the website — the assessment is free and without obligation: the coordinator replies within 24 hours, and the clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days.
The cost depends on the method, the diagnostics needed and the clinic itself: prices differ between clinics. We request offers from several clinics and send you their conditions and quotes so you can compare. Price guidance is on the treatment cost page. For an outpatient procedure, 2–3 days in Munich are usually enough: examination, procedure and follow-up visit.