Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Injections for Knee Pain | Elite Pain & Health – Oklahoma

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Injections for Knee Pain

For patients with knee pain caused by arthritis, cartilage degeneration, or chronic soft-tissue injury, microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections represent one of the most promising biologic therapies available today.

At Elite Pain & Health – Oklahoma, Dr. Keley John Booth, MD performs image-guided MFAT procedures that use a small sample of the patient’s own body fat rich in regenerative and anti-inflammatory cells to promote healing within the knee joint. This therapy can significantly improve pain, stiffness, and function, even in cases where prior injections or medications have failed.

Why It Helps

Adipose (fat) tissue isn’t just for energy storage it’s one of the body’s richest natural sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pericytes, which are vital for tissue regeneration.

When carefully processed into microfragmented adipose tissue, these cells remain surrounded by their natural matrix and growth factors, which allows them to:

• Reduce chronic inflammation in arthritic joints

• Stimulate cartilage and soft-

  tissue repair

• Release healing cytokines that support local cell recovery

• Improve joint lubrication and

  mobility

• Delay or prevent knee replacement surgery

MFAT’s anti-inflammatory and restorative properties make it especially beneficial for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis, post-meniscectomy pain, and ligament or tendon degeneration.

What to Expect

MFAT therapy is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed under sterile conditions with local anesthesia. The entire process takes about 90 minutes.

Step-by-Step Process

Adipose Collection

A small amount of fat is collected typically from the abdomen or flank through a gentle, local liposuction technique.

Microfragmentation

The harvested fat is mechanically filtered using a closed, sterile system to preserve regenerative cells while removing impurities and excess oils.

Injection Preparation

The resulting MFAT containing concentrated stem and support cells is drawn into syringes for injection.

Image-Guided Injection

Dr. Booth uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to precisely inject MFAT into the knee joint, cartilage, or surrounding soft tissue.

Patients can walk out of the clinic the same day. Mild swelling or tenderness at the harvest or injection site is common and resolves within 48–72 hours.

How It’s Diagnosed

Before recommending MFAT therapy, Dr. Booth conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation that includes:

• MRI or ultrasound imaging to assess cartilage, bone, and soft-tissue health

• Physical examination to evaluate joint alignment and function

• Review of prior biologic or injection therapies (PRP, BMAC, viscosupplementation)

• Medical screening to ensure candidacy and safety

This individualized approach ensures that MFAT is used for the right conditions and only when the patient’s tissue biology can truly benefit from it.

Learn more about knee diagnoses and knee symptoms.

Conservative & Regenerative Treatment Plan

MFAT injections are often part of a stepwise, non-surgical program combining biologic and functional rehabilitation.

Dr. Booth may integrate MFAT therapy with:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

• Bone marrow concentrate (BMC)

• Activity modification and bracing

• Weight management and nutrition

Aftercare Recommendations

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 2 weeks before and after the procedure.

• Limit strenuous activity for 3–5 days.

• Begin gentle mobility and strengthening exercises after one week.

Results

• Many patients experience relief within 4–8 weeks.

• Improvements continue for 6–12 months as tissue remodeling occurs.

• Repeat treatments may be considered every 12–18 months depending on progress.

When to Seek Care

You may be a candidate for MFAT therapy if you:

• Have moderate to advanced osteoarthritis

• Experience chronic knee pain that limits activity despite prior injections

• Want to avoid or delay total knee replacement

• Prefer autologous, drug-free regenerative treatment

At Elite Pain & Health – Oklahoma, Dr. Booth’s image-guided technique ensures precision delivery into the joint for optimal healing and safety.

Take the Next Step

MFAT therapy helps your knee heal naturally reducing pain, restoring function, and preserving your mobility for years to come.