Autologous SVF for knee osteoarthritis: double-blind randomised trial

This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from autologous adipose tissue for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Sixteen patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades II-III) participated. Each patient received an injection of SVF in one knee and hyaluronic acid in the other, allowing a direct comparison within the same individual. Over 12 months, pain, function, mobility, and structural changes were analysed using magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed significant improvements in pain, function, and range of movement in the knees treated with SVF, alongside signs of cartilage repair, with no serious adverse effects being recorded.

A single intra-articular injection of autologous adipose tissue-derived SVF was safe and associated with pain reduction, functional improvement and better structural evolution of cartilage in patients with knee osteoarthritis during a 12-month follow-up, compared with hyaluronic acid.

Small sample size (16 patients).
Follow-up limited to 12 months.
Study carried out in a single group of patients with moderate osteoarthritis (grades II-III), meaning the results cannot be automatically extrapolated to more advanced cases.
Although the scans suggest structural improvement, larger studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the observed regenerative effect.
It does not allow one to determine whether the results are maintained for several years.

This study provides clinical evidence on the use of cells and regenerative components obtained from the patient's own adipose tissue for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The results support the potential of SVF-based regenerative therapies to reduce pain, improve joint function and promote tissue repair processes, areas aligned with the regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal health treatments offered by EONLIFE.