Microfracture Versus Adipose Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects

Patients will undergo arthroscopic resection of approximately 5cc of the infrapatellar fat pad, which will be collected for processing for a population of ADSCs. Patients will undergo arthroscopy and preparation of the chondral defect and removal of the calcified cartilage layer. Tisseel Fibrin glue will be placed at the base of the defect side, followed by the application of the acellular collagen dermal matrix, ADSCs, and an additional layer of fibrin glue.

Microfracture surgery is the standard of care for articular cartilage lesions. Patients will undergo arthroscopy with standard technique of microfracture preparation, including the creation of vertical, stable defect edges and removal of the calcified cartilage layer. A microfracture awl will then be used to perform the microfracture technique (6mm below the subchondral plate).