Back to search results

Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

This study is looking at how well Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) injections work for shoulder osteoarthritis (arthritis in the shoulder joint) compared to standard corticosteroid injections. Researchers want to see if MFAT can improve your shoulder pain and function. MFAT involves taking a small amount of your own fat, processing it, and then injecting it into your shoulder. You might be able to join if you are between 25 and 75 years old, have mild to moderate shoulder osteoarthritis, and can understand English. The main way success will be measured is by looking at your ASES Shoulder Score (a way to measure shoulder function and pain) after 24 months. The current status of this study is unclear, so it's not known if they are actively recruiting participants.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled study, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MFAT or corticosteroid injections. The study plans to enroll 48 participants.
What's involved
You would receive either an injection of Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue or a corticosteroid injection. The Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue involves a procedure to harvest fat tissue.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your shoulder function will be assessed for 24 months after the injection.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04929951

The Effect of Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) on Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 25–75InterventionalTreatment
Stanford University
~48 participants
Updated 2026-08-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Micro Fragmented Adipose TissueCorticosteroid injection

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
ASES Shoulder Score
Measured over 24 Months

Conditions

Osteoarthritis Shoulder
Shoulder Pain

Explore related trials

Osteoarthritis

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Who to contact

Jessica Nguyen, BS
[email protected]
(650)723-0003
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age between 25 and 75 years-old
Diagnosis of pre-existing osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint
Working understanding of the English language and able to fully understand the procedure
Capable of providing informed consent
Able to complete online, in-person or phone surveys for the purposes of follow-up
Capable of understanding pre- and post-procedure care instructions
Ambulatory at baseline
Previous trial and failure of conservative therapy consisting of a minimum of 6 weeks of physical therapy and trial of anti-inflammatory medications if not contraindicated, with or without concomitant bracing and/or injections.

Exclusion

Age \< 25 or \> 75 years old
Radiographs demonstrating either no, little osteoarthritis, severe(bone on bone) osteoarthritis
Prior total or partial joint replacement surgery or surgery involving cartilage regeneration
Previous cortisone, PRP or Hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection within the last 3 months
Co-morbidity with the rheumatologic condition, inflammatory arthritis
Currently undergoing immunomodulatory therapy
Uncontrolled endocrine disorder
BMI \>40 or joint space not visible by ultrasound
Current diagnosis of osteomyelitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1, -2) and/or hepatitis C (HCV), infection, and poorly controlled diabetes (HgA1C \>7.0)
Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
previous stem cell injection into treatment joint
Patient scheduled to undergo any concomitant shoulder surgical procedures or other surgery which may affect outcomes.
Coagulopathy or anticoagulant treatment
Chronic pain involving multiple body parts or opioid medication management
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
Concomitant massive(2 tendons with retraction), complete rotator cuff tendon tear

What this trial measures

  • ASES Shoulder Score24 Months

    Patient reported outcome measure that reports shoulder pain and shoulder functionality