JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2026 May 15;6(3):100778. doi: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100778. eCollection 2026 Aug.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate concentric glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) treated with arthroscopic surgery according to the Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure combined with intra-articular injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (mFAT) (Lipogems). Since there was no CAM-only control group, the study does not assess the independent contribution of mFAT.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, 19 patients (mean age 52 years; 17 males, 2 females) with Samilson-Prieto grade 1-3 GHOA were included. All patients underwent arthroscopic CAM surgery followed by intra-articular injection of autologous mFAT. Primary outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score at baseline (T0) and at 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), 12 (T12), and 24 months (T24) post-operatively.
RESULTS: Significant improvements in both visual analog scale and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were observed at 1 month and maintained up to 24 months (P < .05). Patients aged ≤50 years or with grade 1-2 GHOA tended to experience greater clinical improvements. The observed improvements in pain and function exceeded published thresholds for the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and fell below the Patient Acceptable Symptom State, indicating that changes were not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful. No major adverse events occurred, and no patients required conversion to shoulder arthroplasty. The combination of CAM and mFAT was safe and feasible, providing sustained pain relief and functional improvement over a 2-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION: The CAM procedure combined with intra-articular mFAT injection represents a safe and minimally invasive approach associated with durable improvements in pain and shoulder function in patients with mild-to-moderate GHOA. However, the study design does not allow conclusions regarding the specific contribution of mFAT beyond the CAM procedure alone. Further controlled studies are needed to clarify potential additive benefits.
PMID:42389646 | PMC:PMC13320478 | DOI:10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100778
