The Effect of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 35 and 70 years-old * Patient is scheduled to undergo one or a combination of the following procedures: * Meniscal debridement or partial menisectomy * Meniscal repair that does not necessitate a different postoperative protocol from meniscal debridement or partial menisectomy * Removal of loose bodies * Chondroplasty * Synovectomy * Soft tissue releases for flexion or extension contracture. * Diagnosis of pre-existing mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the medial or lateral femoral condyle (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 2 or 3) * \< 6 months of knee pain or \< 6 months of a significant exacerbation of existing knee pain * Physical examination findings consistent with the proposed surgical procedure. * Failure of conservative therapy consisting of a minimum of 6 weeks of physical therapy and trial of anti-inflammatory medications, with or without concomitant bracing and/or injections Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 35 or \> 70 years old * Radiographs demonstrating either no, little or severe osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 0, 1 or 4) * Previous injury or surgery to the infrapatellar fat pad (assessed by MRI) * Patient scheduled to undergo any concomitant surgical procedures with the exception of: * Meniscal debridement or partial menisectomy * Meniscal repair that does not necessitate a different postoperative protocol from meniscal debridement or partial menisectomy * Removal of loose bodies * Chondroplasty * Synovectomy * Soft tissue releases for flexion or extension contracture * Prior surgery on ipsilateral knee involving cartilage regeneration (microfracture, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, etc) or meniscal transplant/implant * Previous arthroscopy within 1 year * Subchondral edema