Autologous Fat Grafting for Chronic Tendinopathy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This single-group study examines a one-time injection of autologous adipose-derived tissue (ASSET) into a painful tendon to see if it reduces pain, enhances tendon function, and is safe. Participants are adults 18 to 80 with long-standing tendinopathy confirmed by ultrasound and persistent symptoms despite conventional therapies. Outcomes include changes in pain, function, and ultrasound findings compared to baseline. There is no separate control group; each participant serves as their own comparator. The trial is led by Weill Cornell Medicine with collaboration from The Plastic Surgery Foundation, at the Weill Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in New York.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18-80 years.
2. Tendinopathy at any tendon location (e.g., rotator cuff/supraspinatus, lateral epicondyle, gluteal/hip, Achilles, patellar).
3. Confirmed tendon pathology: pain at the tendon site for \> 3 months AND pathology confirmed on ultrasound.
4. Failure of conservative treatment (e.g., activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injection, and/or PRP) for at least 6 weeks.
5. Able to provide informed consent and complete questionnaires in English.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Full-thickness tendon tear.
2. Prior surgery at the target tendon site.
3. Injection or other intervention at the target tendon site within the prior 6 months.
4. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
5. Active local or systemic infection, bleeding diathesis or anticoagulation precluding the procedure, or other condition that in the investigator's judgment makes participation unsafe.
6. Moderate-to-high-grade arthritis in the adjacent joint.

Where it's running

• Department of Rehabilitation Medicine WCMC
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jaspal Singh, MD — Department of Rehabilitation Medicine | Weill Cornell Medicine
• Study coordinator: Terrence Green
• Email: teg7008@med.cornell.edu
• Phone: (212) 746-9224

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Hyaluronic Acid vs Platelet-R-rich Plasma for Chronic Tendinopathy and Enthesopathy

  This study tests whether injections of hyaluronic acid or autologous platelet-rich plasma can help people with chronic tendon and enthesis problems in the elbow or Achilles area.

  Recruiting Ortonika Orthopedic Medical Clinic in Lublin · Lublin, Lublin Voivodeship · NCT07714811

• Vibration or cool-spray to reduce pain from steroid injections in the hand and wrist

  This trial tests whether vibration or vapocoolant spray makes corticosteroid injections in the hands, wrists, or elbows less painful for adults with arthritis, tendinopathy, or nerve compression.

  Recruiting The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Galveston, Texas · NCT07553273

• Percutaneous electrolysis versus laser for supraspinatus tendon pain

  This study will test whether percutaneous electrolysis or laser therapy better reduces pain and improves shoulder function in adults with supraspinatus tendinopathy.

  Recruiting Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca · Salamanca · NCT07247825

• Platelet-rich plasma injections for joint and tendon problems

  This project will test whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections help people with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions reduce pain and improve function over one year.

  Recruiting University of Utah · Salt Lake City, Utah · NCT07231471

• Comparing exercise programs for long head biceps tendinopathy

  We will try 12 weeks of eccentric or combined exercise programs versus a control exercise to see if they reduce shoulder pain and tendon thickness in people with long head biceps tendinopathy.

  Recruiting Hacettepe University · Ankara · NCT07025668

• Using OSTENIL® TENDON to treat pain and mobility issues in tendon disorders

  This study is testing if OSTENIL® TENDON can help people with tendon pain and mobility issues feel better in everyday life.

  Recruiting TRB Chemedica AG · Berlin, State of Berlin and 5 other locations · NCT06681051

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.