From the Research
The anatomical term for the area under the pannus is "infrapatellar fat pad" or "Hoffa's fat pad". This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the cylindrical extrasynovial collection of fat located in the infrapatellar region, as described in the study by 1. The infrapatellar fat pad is a significant structure within the knee, playing a crucial role in understanding regional pathology, including intrinsic lesions such as hoffitis, anterolateral impingement, plica syndrome, and extrinsic lesions affecting the synovium, patellar ligament, vascular structures, and bursae, as noted in the study by 2. Some key points about the infrapatellar fat pad include:
- It is an extrasynovial, intracapsular, adipose body occupying the space in the knee joint between the inferior border of the patella, the femoral condyles, tibial plateau, and patellar tendon, as described in the study by 2.
- The infrapatellar fat pad has attachments to the superior border of the patella, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, and patellar tendon, as reported in the study by 2.
- The morphology and attachments of the infrapatellar fat pad can vary, with some individuals having superior extensions that form a full loop around the superior border of the patella, as observed in the study by 2.
- The infrapatellar fat pad can be involved in anterior knee pain syndrome, including that associated with osteoarthritis, as suggested in the study by 2.
- Proper understanding of the anatomy and function of the infrapatellar fat pad is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders presenting within this structure, as emphasized in the review by 3. Overall, the infrapatellar fat pad is a complex and important structure within the knee, and its anatomy and function should be carefully considered in clinical practice, as highlighted in the studies by 1, 2, 3.