Comparative Study Between Autologous Adipose Tissue Graft Versus Microfracture for Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects

Knee arthroscopy using standard portals will be performed in three groups. Complete evaluation of all intra -articular structures will be performed followed by accurate localization of the cartilage defect and measurement of its dimensions. The cartilage lesion grading according to the International Cartilage Repair Society system (ICRS). The patients assigned for the first group will have Liposuction through a minor 1 cm incision on the abdomen to obtain adequate amount of emulsified adipose tissues (50 - 60 cc). Autologous adipose tissue will be mixed with autologous hyaline cartilage obtained from non-weight bearing areas of the knee in prepared mold. The graft will be mixed with fibrin glue and left to solidify a little. After obtaining the fashioned graft from the mold it will be fixed in to the defect site by fibrin glue through mini open approach and stability of the implant fitted in the site will evaluated by gentle cycling of the joint. During the graft preparation, a high tibial osteotomy will be performed. Patients assigned for the second group will have microfracture in association with open wedge high tibial osteotomy. Patients assigned for the third group will have open wedge high tibial osteotomy. Standard titanium T locked plate will be used to fix the open wedge osteotomy in the three groups.