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Infrapatellar fat pad syndrome

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Infrapatellar fat pad syndrome
Other namesHoffa's disease[1]
Cross section of the human knee
SpecialtyOrthopedics, sports medicine
SymptomsPain in the front of the knee[2]
CausesTrauma, surgery[1]
Differential diagnosisPatellar tendinopathy, infrapatellar bursitis[2]
TreatmentSteroid injections, physical therapy, surgery[2][1]
FrequencyRelatively common (athletes)[2]

Infrapatellar fat pad syndrome, also known as Hoffa's disease, is when pain in the front of the knee occurs due to problems with the infrapatellar fat pad.[2] Pain is generally just below the kneecap.[2] Symptoms may worsen if the knee is overly straightened or bent for too long a period.[2] Complications may include an inability to fully straighten the knee.[2]

The underlying mechanism may involve bleeding, inflammation, or insufficient space for the fat pad.[2] This may occur as a result of trauma or surgery to the knee.[1] Diagnosis may be supported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).[2]

Treatment is generally by steroid injections and physical therapy.[2][1] If this is not effective surgery removal may be tried.[2] While overall it is an uncommon condition,[3] it is relatively common in athletes.[2]

Treatment

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Treatment is generally by steroid injections and physical therapy.[2][1] If this is not effective surgery removal may be tried.[2] High quality evidence for surgery is lacking as of 2015.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Dragoo, JL; Johnson, C; McConnell, J (1 January 2012). "Evaluation and treatment of disorders of the infrapatellar fat pad". Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 42 (1): 51–67. doi:10.2165/11595680-000000000-00000. PMID 22149697.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Hiemstra, LA; Kerslake, S; Irving, C (July 2014). "Anterior knee pain in the athlete". Clinics in Sports Medicine. 33 (3): 437–59. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2014.03.010. PMID 24993409.
  3. ^ a b Rooney, A; Wahba, AJ; Smith, TO; Donell, ST (June 2015). "The surgical treatment of anterior knee pain due to infrapatellar fat pad pathology: A systematic review". Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery & Research. 101 (4): 469–75. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2015.01.019. PMID 25935799.