MFAT

Posted by bmilanowski53 @bmilanowski53, Sep 29, 2023

I am trying to avoid a knee replacement I am 70 and have had 4 surgeries for spinal stenosis and 2 hand surgeries for arthritis. I have tried PRP injections but my left knee is still a problem. My regenerative medicine Dr has recommended a MFAT procedure where they liposuction fat and inject that into the knee. This is a new procedure and there are no long-term results also out-of-pocket has anyone had this procedure.

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alexalee | @alexalee | Sep 30, 2023

I’m not familiar with what you describe. However, there is a new procedure at Duke University, now in clinical trials, which involves replacing cartilage with a new substance they have, which is much stronger than our own natural cartilage. They’ve had great success in animal models, but I understand it only works if your knee is not “end stage.”
It is not yet available, but if you are a candidate, it might be worth investigating. Apparently, no downtime, and none of the complications of a TKR.

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Sep 30, 2023

Unfortunately, my knee is pretty bad four knee surgeries.

mngrammie | @mngrammie | Oct 1, 2023

In reply to @alexalee "I’m not familiar with what you describe. However, there is a new procedure at Duke University,..." + (show)

Do you know how to contact someone at Duke to see if you qualify?

alexalee | @alexalee | Oct 1, 2023

I assume if you contact the Orthopedics Dept. at Duke they could give you more information. However. I believe the clinical trial is underway, and I assume after it ends, they'll need to wait for FDA approval...

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @mngrammie "Do you know how to contact someone at Duke to see if you qualify?" + (show)

I do not know how to contact them. I am scheduled for my procedure October 12 so I think I’ll move forward with that

alexalee | @alexalee | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @bmilanowski53 "I do not know how to contact them. I am scheduled for my procedure October 12..." + (show)

Yes, I think that’s important for you to do. What they’re working on at Duke shows great promise for the future, but is not available nor FDA approved yet, & I have no idea of what their timeline will be.

lonna66 | @lonna66 | Oct 10, 2023

I have never heard of that…it would be great if it worked!

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Oct 10, 2023

I have my procedure on Thursday I will post how I progress

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Oct 14, 2023

Well, I had my procedure on Thursday. Not really into much pain mostly from the site where they harvested the fat I am nonweightbearing for a week.

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Oct 15, 2023

Some swelling in my knee. It is really crunchy when I move it dull ache walking with one crutch. Don’t start physical therapy until the 23rd doing isometric quad exercises