Knee arthritis affects millions of adults every year—causing stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility that slowly limits the life you want to live. Many patients try cortisone, gel injections, physical therapy, and even PRP, but still struggle with persistent pain.
A growing number of people are now turning to one of the most promising natural biologic treatments available today: Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (mFAT). This cutting-edge therapy uses the healing power of your own fat to calm inflammation, reduce pain, and support joint function—all without surgery.
At Sellers Sports Medicine in Tempe, AZ, we specialize in advanced biologic treatments like mFAT to help patients return to activity and delay (or avoid) knee replacement. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is mFAT?
Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (mFAT) is a refined form of your own fat that contains a high concentration of regenerative cell clusters, pericytes, and stromal vascular cells. These naturally occurring cells are rich in anti-inflammatory and healing properties that make them ideal for treating degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Unlike stem-cell treatments that require lab expansion, mFAT is processed mechanically, same-day, and FDA-compliant—meaning it stays minimally manipulated and completely natural.
Why Fat? The Power Inside Your Own Tissue
Fat tissue is one of the most potent sources of:
- Anti-inflammatory cells
- Structural support cells
- Repair-signaling molecules
- Tissue-stabilizing components
These cells help calm arthritis-related inflammation, improve joint lubrication, and support the health of cartilage and surrounding tissues.
For many patients, this translates into less pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.
How mFAT Works for Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage, inflammation inside the joint, and the thickening or irritation of surrounding tissues. mFAT helps by:
✔ Reducing Inflammation
The injected adipose clusters release cytokines and growth factors that calm the inflammatory environment inside the knee.
✔ Providing Cushion and Support
The fat particles act as a natural scaffold, improving the joint’s shock absorption and reducing friction.
✔ Signaling Repair
mFAT stimulates local tissues to promote a healthier environment for cartilage and joint structures.
✔ Improving Function Over Time
Most patients continue to see improvement for several months as the biologic activity continues.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
mFAT may be an excellent option for people who:
- Have mild, moderate, or severe knee arthritis
- Want to avoid or delay a knee replacement
- Have tried PRP, HA gel, or cortisone without lasting results
- Want a natural, one-day, minimally invasive treatment
- Prefer autologous (from your own body) therapies
Athletes, active adults, and older individuals all benefit from mFAT.
The mFAT Procedure: What to Expect
The full treatment typically takes 60–90 minutes, and patients walk out the same day.
Step 1: Gentle Fat Harvest
A small amount of fat is removed from the abdomen or flank using a minimally invasive lipoaspiration technique.
Step 2: Mechanical Micro-Fragmentation
The tissue is processed in a sterile, closed system that washes, filters, and concentrates the regenerative clusters—no enzymes, no chemicals, no lab expansion.
Step 3: Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injection
The mFAT is injected into the affected knee with ultrasound guidance to ensure optimal placement and precision.
Results: When Will You Feel Better?
Most patients notice:
- Early improvement within 4–8 weeks
- Continued gains over 3–6 months
- Relief lasting 1–3 years depending on arthritis severity
Many patients combine mFAT with PRP to amplify results.
How Does mFAT Compare to Other Arthritis Treatments?
| Treatment | What It Helps | How Long It Lasts | Best For |
| Cortisone | Reduces inflammation | Weeks to months | Short-term flare relief |
| Hyaluronic Acid (Gel) | Lubricates joint | 3–6 months | Mild–moderate OA |
| PRP | Stimulates healing | 6–12 months | OA, tendon issues |
| mFAT | Reduces inflammation & supports joint health | 1–3 years | Moderate to severe OA, surgery avoidance |
If you feel like other treatments haven’t worked—or they worked but didn’t last—mFAT may be the next step.
Is mFAT Safe?
Yes. Because mFAT comes from your own body, the risk of reaction is extremely low. Side effects are typically limited to mild soreness at the harvest or injection site.
Why Patients Choose mFAT at Sellers Sports Medicine
- Advanced ultrasound-guided precision
- Expert MSK ultrasound diagnostics
- Patient-centered experience
- Specialists in PRP, mFAT, and regenerative orthobiologics
- Custom treatment planning for athletes and active adults
Our goal is to help patients return to movement without surgery—and feel confident in choosing the most effective biologic therapy for their condition.
