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mFat therapy uses your own adipose-derived stem cells to treat arthritis and degeneration in the hand joints. The hand depends on precise, coordinated joint movement for everything from gripping and writing to buttoning a shirt. When arthritis affects the thumb base or finger joints, it can have a significant impact on independence and daily function. Biological treatment with mFat aims to manage inflammation, support cartilage, and preserve the hand function you rely on.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
The hand has 27 bones and numerous small joints that work together for grip, pinch, and fine motor control. Arthritis in even a single joint can disrupt this coordination and make everyday tasks painful or difficult.
Biological treatment at an earlier stage can help maintain joint movement and function, reducing the likelihood of needing surgery that permanently restricts the joint.
mFat is delivered to the hand joints under ultrasound guidance following the standard adipose tissue harvest. The small joint anatomy of the hand requires precise needle placement, which image guidance ensures.
Hand mFat therapy can be combined with splinting, physiotherapy, or other injections as part of a comprehensive plan to preserve hand function and reduce pain.
You may have more options than you think
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.
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
The most commonly treated joint is the thumb base (CMC joint), which is responsible for grip and pinch strength. mFat can also be used for the finger joints (PIP and DIP), particularly when arthritis is causing pain and stiffness that limits daily hand use.
Thumb CMC arthritis is one of the most functionally limiting forms of hand arthritis, affecting grip, pinch, and the ability to open jars or turn keys. mFat therapy aims to reduce inflammation and support cartilage preservation, helping to maintain function and delay or avoid surgical options such as trapeziectomy.
Hand activity can resume within a few days, though grip loading should be introduced gradually over two to four weeks. Some tenderness at the injection site is normal. Most patients notice progressive improvement in pain and hand function over the following weeks.
Yes. Several hand joints can be treated in a single session alongside the thumb if needed. Your specialist will assess which joints are contributing most to your symptoms and plan the injection accordingly.
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