Microfragmented Adipose Tissue for the Treatment of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Prospective Pilot Trial

Background and/or Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) as compared to corticosteroid injections (CSI) and physical therapy (PT) alone in improving pain, function, and tear size in patients with partial thickness rotator cuff tears.

Design: Unblinded Open Label Prospective Cohort study

Setting : Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic

Participants : A total of 24 participants, aged 18-80, diagnosed with partial thickness rotator cuff tears, were enrolled in the study.

Interventions: Participants were divided into three groups: MFAT injection with PT, CSI with PT, and PT alone.

Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score to assess pain and function and ultrasound images to assess changes in tear size.

Results: At 12 weeks, MFAT demonstrated the greatest improvement in ASES scores as assessed by a mean change score of 31.87 and a Cohen’s effect size of 2.160, followed by CSI with a mean change of 10.69 and a Cohen’s effect size of .584, while PT alone had a mean change of 10.49 and a Cohen’s effect size of .689. Ultrasound images suggested a reduction in tear size in the MFAT group.

Conclusions: MFAT combined with PT resulted in significantly better outcomes in pain and function as compared to CSI+PT or PT alone at short-term follow up of 12 weeks. Additionally, ultrasound findings suggested a reduction in tear size with the use of MFAT, making it a promising non-surgical alternative for partial thickness rotator cuff tears. These findings support further research into MFAT as an orthobiologic treatment option for rotator cuff injury.