Objectives: This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy of micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) therapy over three years in patients with KOA and to determine whether short-term improvements at three months can forecast long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on 335 patients diagnosed with KOA who received a single MFAT injection. The patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, with assessments using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the differences in preoperative and postoperative scores (VAS, OKS, WOMAC, KOOS) to evaluate the predictive role of 3-month score changes on long-term clinical outcomes. Results: All measured scores (VAS, OKS, WOMAC, KOOS) showed significant improvement at 3 months, with sustained improvements through 3 years (p < 0.001). Early score changes at 3 months were significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes at 1, 2, and 3 years (p < 0.05). Logistic regression confirmed early post-treatment improvements as independent predictors of long-term benefit, except for the VAS score at 3 years (p = 0.098). A comparative analysis between completers and dropouts showed no baseline differences; however, significant outcome differences emerged at later follow-up points. Due to insufficient data at the 3-year mark among dropouts, statistical comparisons were not possible for that time point. Conclusions: MFAT treatment was associated with consistent symptomatic improvement in patients with KOA, and early clinical response at 3 months served as a reliable predictor of long-term pain and function outcomes. While this study focused on patient-reported symptom relief and not structural regeneration, the results support MFAT as a minimally invasive option for symptom management. Early post-treatment response may serve as a useful tool for clinicians to predict long-term therapeutic success and personalize treatment strategies for KOA patients.

This article has been revised to add an affiliation for Nicolae Stanciu. The first affiliation has been added: Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania.

Background: Volleyball requires frequent jumping, landing, and overhead movements, predisposing athletes to acute and overuse injuries. Monitoring workload and neuromuscular performance is important for optimizing performance and preventing injuries in youth athletes. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational analysis was performed using prospectively collected data from a training camp of the Romanian Under-16 (U16) women’s national volleyball team. Twenty athletes were included in the study (mean age: 14.25 ± 0.72 years). Data collection consisted of demographic information, injury history, and perceived exertion, assessed with the modified Borg Category-Ratio 10 (CR10) scale. The training workload (TWL) was derived from session ratings of perceived exertion, while the acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was calculated across the four weeks preceding the index week. In addition, neuromuscular performance was evaluated using the OptoJump Next system (Microgate S.r.l., Bolzano, Italy). Athletes completed three standardized tests at both the beginning and end of the camp. Results: Weekly TWL was similar between groups (injured: 3,723.4; non-injured: 3,664.4). However, only 37.5% of injured athletes remained within the ACWR “safe zone” (0.8-1.3) compared to 75.0% of non-injured athletes. OptoJump assessments revealed no substantial performance differences, and by camp exit, previously injured athletes achieved comparable jump height, reactive strength index (RSI), and relative power to their peers. Conclusions: Although workloads were broadly similar, injured athletes demonstrated greater fluctuations in ACWR, indicating increased reinjury risk. Effective and personalized rehabilitation allows recovery of neuromuscular performance, but careful workload management remains essential. Integrating load monitoring with neuromuscular assessment may improve injury prevention strategies in youth volleyball players.