A single, minimally invasive, image-guided injection in which the patient's own adipocyte (fat-derived) cell concentrate is delivered into a bone marrow lesion to support stressed subchondral bone.
Who it may suit
- Knee pain with bone marrow lesions (bone marrow edema) on MRI
- Early to moderate osteoarthritis where the joint is still worth preserving
- Subchondral insufficiency fractures that have not settled with offloading
- Patients who want to delay or avoid total knee replacement
How it is done
- 3T MRI and standing X-rays map the exact lesion
- Under fluoroscopic guidance a small cannula is placed into the lesion
- Autologous adipocyte concentrate (with or without PRP) is injected — usually a single session
- Often combined with arthroscopy to treat meniscus or cartilage problems
Recovery
- Day-care procedure in most cases
- Protected weight bearing for 1–2 weeks, then progressive loading
- Structured physiotherapy for 6–12 weeks
- Follow-up MRI may be used to assess bone healing
This page is for education only. Suitability for any treatment is decided after a clinical examination and imaging review.