**Safety Review on Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) Safety in Knee Osteoarthritis:**
A thorough examination of approximately 260 studies, involving over 9,000 participants, provides a robust overview of the safety profile of Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) therapy in the context of knee osteoarthritis. These studies span a range of durations, with the longest follow-up period extending up to 5 years. The synthesis of evidence from these studies indicates an acceptable safety profile for SVF therapy. The transient nature of side effects, such as mild reactions and short-term procedure-related pain and swelling in about 67% of cases within the initial 6 months, underscores the manageable and often self-resolving nature of these occurrences.
Furthermore, despite the extensive coverage of patients, very few directly related adverse events were reported, emphasizing the procedure's safety. Adverse events primarily associated with adipose tissue harvesting, injection trauma, or the underlying condition being treated were observed. Serious adverse events, though infrequent, were noted, encompassing instances such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and synovitis, which necessitated hospitalization or surgical intervention.
The collective findings highlight the overall safety of SVF therapy for knee osteoarthritis, particularly in the context of its potential benefits. As the evidence is derived from a diverse set of studies, it underscores the importance of continued research efforts to refine our understanding of transient and serious side effects, enabling a more nuanced and individualized approach to treatment decisions. The above review was based on the following publications.