Knee Cartilage
Demo Author One
Cartilage repair options for lasting joint health
A practical overview of cartilage repair, injection therapy, rehabilitation planning, and the clinical evidence that guides joint preservation care.
mFat therapy, a cutting-edge approach in regenerative medicine, utilizes Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) to treat various joint disorders, including osteoarthritis. At London Cartilage Clinic, we harness the healing capabilities of adipose-derived Stem Cell / Medicinal Signaling Cells to offer a natural, effective solution for joint pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
How mFat therapy works
inside the joint
mFat therapy uses your own adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated regenerative matrix containing signalling cells and bioactive factors.
- Targets inflammation and supports tissue repair in affected joints.
- Designed for osteoarthritis and selected cartilage or soft-tissue injuries.
- Uses autologous tissue, reducing concerns about rejection.
The aim is to improve pain and function by enhancing the local healing environment, not simply masking symptoms.
The mFat procedure
and expected benefits
Treatment is minimally invasive and usually completed in a single outpatient session.
- Adipose tissue is harvested under local anaesthetic.
- Tissue is processed to preserve regenerative cellular components.
- Prepared mFat is injected with image-guided precision.
Many patients return to routine activity quickly, with improvement in pain and function typically developing over the following weeks.
At London Cartilage Clinic, mFat can be integrated with other evidence-based therapies when this supports a stronger overall treatment plan.
You may have more options than you think
Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Preserve
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Repair
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Regenerate
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
Replace
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
This treatment can be applied across multiple joints. Select yours to see the full range of options we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Explore All Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Benefit from mFat Therapy?
mFat therapy is suitable for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, and injuries in various joints, offering an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures.
What is the Recovery Time After mFat Therapy?
Post-procedure, patients may experience moderate pain and swelling, manageable with rest and painkillers. Normal activities can usually be resumed within 1 to 2 weeks, with improvements visible from two to eight weeks.
Are There Alternatives to mFat Therapy?
While mFat therapy is a promising option, alternatives range from other minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions like knee or hip replacement. The best treatment should be determined with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
What does mFat stand for?
This treatment gets its name from micorfragmented adipose tissue, which owes to the fact that the injection uses fat (adipose) from the patient’s own body.
Is mFat suitable for everyone?
If you are unsure whether an mFat injection is right for you, scheduling a consultation with a medical professional will lead to targeted advice. Here, the specialist will consider factors such as your age, health, and medical history to decide if you’re suitable. Although the mFat injection has very little risk associated with it.
Is mFat treatment only for knee arthritis?
No. Adipose tissue therapy and injections can be used to treat pain and inflammation in knee, hip, and shoulder joints. Furthermore, mFat can be used to treat damage to ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage resulting from osteoarthritis.
Still have more specific concerns?
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