Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39877201›Full record

ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2025

Autologous Fat Grafting in Hand Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Brennon Henderson, Caroline J Cushman, Ashley D Price, Lauren A Hoffpauir, Neil Jain, Evan J Hernandez, Anceslo Idicula, Brendan J MacKay

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Brennon HendersonFrom the School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX.
Caroline J CushmanFrom the School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX.
Ashley D PriceFrom the School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX.
Lauren A HoffpauirTexas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX.
Neil JainDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA.
Evan J HernandezTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lubbock, TX.
Anceslo IdiculaTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lubbock, TX.
Brendan J MacKayTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lubbock, TX.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has gained popularity in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including hand surgery, due to its regenerative potential and dual benefits of enhancing aesthetics and function. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of AFG in treating various hand pathologies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for studies published between January 2001 and October 2022 using the terms "(autologous fat grafting) AND (hand)." Of 224 studies identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were analyzed based on study design, pathology treated, type of AFG used, and primary outcomes. Results: The review included 14 studies: 9 prospective/retrospective studies, 3 case reports, and 2 randomized control trials. Digital ulcers related to systemic sclerosis and hand osteoarthritis were the most frequently treated pathologies. AFG was predominantly used to address symptoms/pain (71.4%), with aesthetics as a secondary benefit in 21.4% of cases. The studies reported improvements in pain, functionality, and patient satisfaction. However, the variability in techniques and outcomes limited the ability to perform a meta-analysis. Conclusions: AFG shows promise as a minimally invasive treatment option for various hand pathologies, offering both symptomatic relief and aesthetic enhancement. Although initial findings are favorable, further high-quality studies are needed to standardize techniques and confirm long-term efficacy. The versatility and safety profile of AFG suggest it has the potential to become a widely adopted technique in hand surgery.

Identifiers

PMID39877201
PMCPMC11774266

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.