The authors have adapted the technique of lipo-filling, previously described for rejuvenation of the hand, to achieve symptom reduction in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud’s that had previously failed to respond to medical treatments. The majority of the subjects had a diagnosis of scleroderma. The study is small (13 patients, 21 hands), but these patients experienced a significant reduction in pain scores and ‘cold attack’ frequency and duration. Ulcer incidence was reduced and hand function reportedly increased. The authors discuss some of the limitations of the study and the possible mechanisms of action of this promising finding.
Fat grafting as therapy for Raynaud’s
Reviewed by Patrick Addison
Fat grafting to the hand in patients with Raynaud phenomenon: a novel therapeutic modality.
