Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)

When Is MFAT Used?

Your physician may recommend MFAT as part of a treatment plan for chronic musculoskeletal pain or injury, including:

• Osteoarthritis, especially in the knee

• Chronic tendon injuries or tendinopathy

• Partial tendon tears

• Soft tissue injuries

• Areas of ongoing pain or dysfunction that have not improved with conservative care

MFAT may be considered when a patient is looking for a non-surgical option to help improve pain, function, and recovery.

How Does the MFAT Procedure Work?

MFAT is a same-day procedure that typically involves the following steps:

1. Fat Harvesting
A small amount of adipose (fat) tissue is collected from an area such as the abdomen, flank, or thigh using a minor liposuction-style technique.

2. Processing the Tissue
The harvested fat is then processed in a closed system to create microfragmented adipose tissue. This helps preserve the natural tissue structure while removing unwanted fluid, oil, and debris.

3. Injection into the Treatment Area
The processed MFAT is then injected into the targeted area, such as a joint, tendon, or soft tissue structure, often using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy.

How MFAT May Help

MFAT is thought to work by supporting the body’s natural healing environment. It may help:

• Modulate inflammation

• Support tissue repair

• Improve pain

• Improve mobility and function

Results vary by patient, diagnosis, severity of the condition, and overall health.

Benefits of MFAT

Some potential benefits of MFAT include:

• Minimally invasive

• Uses your own tissue

• No major surgery required

• May help improve pain and function

• May support healing in selected orthopedic conditions

Because the tissue comes from your own body, MFAT is considered an autologous treatment, which reduces the risk of rejection.

What to Expect After Treatment

Recovery depends on the area treated and your diagnosis. Most patients are given a post-procedure plan that may include activity modification, physical therapy, or rehabilitation to help optimize results.

Some patients notice improvement gradually over time as the body responds to treatment.

Is MFAT Right for You?

MFAT may be an option for patients dealing with joint pain, tendon injuries, or chronic musculoskeletal issues who are trying to avoid or delay more invasive procedures. A full evaluation is important to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate.

If you are interested in regenerative treatment options, our team can help you understand whether MFAT fits your goals, condition, and recovery plan.

What Is the MFAT Procedure Like?

MFAT is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

1. Harvesting the Fat Tissue

A small amount of fat tissue is collected from your body using a minor liposuction-style technique. Common areas include the abdomen, flank, or thigh.

2. Processing the Tissue

The adipose tissue is then processed in a specialized system that microfragments the tissue while preserving useful biologic components.

3. Precise Injection

Once prepared, the MFAT is injected into the injured or painful area. In orthopedic applications, this is often done under ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopic guidance to improve precision and accuracy.

What Are the Benefits of MFAT?

Some potential benefits of MFAT include:

• It is minimally invasive

• It uses your own tissue

• It is performed as an outpatient procedure

• It may help improve pain and function

• It may be useful for patients seeking a non-surgical treatment option

Because MFAT comes from your own body, it is considered an autologous treatment, which lowers the risk of rejection.

Who May Be a Good Candidate for MFAT?

You may be a candidate for MFAT if you:

• Have chronic joint or tendon pain

• Have arthritis or a soft tissue injury

• Have not improved enough with physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments

• Want to explore non-surgical regenerative treatment options

• Are looking for a more advanced biologic approach for selected orthopedic conditions

The best way to know whether MFAT is appropriate for you is through a detailed evaluation, proper diagnosis, and review of imaging and prior treatment history.

What Should You Expect After MFAT?

Recovery depends on the area treated and the condition being addressed. Most patients receive a personalized recovery plan that may include:

• Temporary activity modification

• Rehabilitation or physical therapy

• Gradual return to exercise or sport

• Follow-up visits to monitor progress

Improvement is often gradual, as the goal is to support a healing response over time rather than create instant short-term masking of symptoms.

Is MFAT the Same as PRP?

Not exactly.

While both are regenerative treatments, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is made from your blood, whereas MFAT is made from your adipose tissue. Each has a different biologic profile, and the right treatment depends on the diagnosis, tissue involved, severity of degeneration, and treatment goals.

In some cases, one may be preferred over the other. In others, your physician may discuss whether a combination approach makes sense.

Why Patients Explore MFAT for Arthritis and Tendon Injuries

Patients often seek MFAT when they want an option that is:

• More advanced than rest, medications, or repeated injections

• Less invasive than surgery

• Focused on supporting healing and function

• Based on their own tissue

For the right patient, MFAT can be an important part of a broader regenerative and rehabilitation strategy.

Learn Whether MFAT Is Right for You

If you are struggling with arthritis, tendon pain, or a chronic orthopedic injury, MFAT may be worth discussing as part of your treatment plan.

At Orange County Spine & Sports, we evaluate each patient carefully to determine whether regenerative medicine options such as MFAT are appropriate based on diagnosis, goals, and function.

To learn more or schedule an evaluation, contact our office today.