Comparing bone marrow and fat tissue injections for knee osteoarthritis treatment

Bone Marrow vs Adipose Tissue as a Cell Source for Infiltrative Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT06040957

This study is testing whether injections of bone marrow or fat tissue can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel better and improve their condition over a year.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06040957 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two different cellular products, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and minimally manipulated adipose tissue (MM-AT), for treating knee osteoarthritis. Patients with symptomatic unilateral knee OA will be randomly assigned to receive either BMAC or MM-AT through a single intra-articular injection. The study will assess clinical outcomes and potential disease-modifying effects over a 12-month follow-up period using imaging and biological assessments. Additionally, factors influencing treatment response will be analyzed to better understand the efficacy of these interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 40 to 75 with symptomatic unilateral knee osteoarthritis who have not benefited from conservative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with significant knee deformities, recent knee surgeries, or other knee injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar cellular therapies for joint conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with symptomatic unilateral knee OA with:

1. Men or women aged 40 to 75 years;
2. Signs and symptoms of OA with a clinical history of gonalgia or swelling for at least 6 months;
3. Radiographic signs of OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-4);
4. No benefit after at least 4 months of conservative treatment;
5. Ability and consent of patients to actively participate in clinical and radiological (rx and MRI) follow-up;
6. Signing of informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to express consent;
2. Patients aged \< to 40 and \> to 75 years;
3. Patients with axial deviations \> 5°;
4. Patients who have suffered trauma or undergone intra-articular infiltration of other substance in the previous 6 months;
5. Patients who have undergone knee surgery in the previous 12 months;
6. Patients with concomitant knee injuries causing joint pain or swelling (-focal full-thickness osteochondral defects, acute meniscal injuries);
7. Patients with malignant neoplasms;
8. Patients with uncompensated systemic diseases (rheumatic diseases, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and thyroid diseases);
9. Patients with infectious diseases;
10. Patients with histories of alcohol or drug abuse;
11. Patients who are pregnant;
12. Patients with allergies to anesthetics used in the procedure.

Where this trial is running

Bologna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee Osteoarthritisbone marrow aspirate concentrateminimally manipulated adipose tissueBMACMM-ATintra-articular injectionknee injectionmesenchymal stromal cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.