Could your own belly fat fix a painful hip?

NCT ID NCT05465096

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether injecting a patient's own processed fat tissue into the arthritic hip joint could safely reduce pain and improve movement. Thirty adults with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis received one ultrasound-guided injection. Researchers measured changes in pain, stiffness, and daily function over 12 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

microfragmented fat tissue (containing stem cells) from the patient's own body

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a minimally invasive way to reduce pain and improve hip function for people with osteoarthritis, potentially delaying or avoiding hip replacement.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 30 people and no comparison group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. The treatment may not provide lasting benefit, and risks include infection or pain from the injection.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, hip

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

    Bologna, 40136, Italy