From the Research
Fat pad syndrome, also known as infrapatellar fat pad impingement, is a condition affecting the knee that can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical symptoms and physical examination, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that the main symptoms include pain at the front of the knee, particularly below the kneecap, which worsens with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting 1. The diagnosis of Hoffa's fat pad syndrome typically involves a thorough physical examination, where a doctor will palpate the area around the kneecap and may perform specific tests to reproduce the pain. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and symptoms of Hoffa's fat pad syndrome include:
- Pain at the front of the knee, particularly below the kneecap, which worsens with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting
- Swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of instability in the knee
- The condition is often confused with patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar tendinitis, so careful assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis
- Imaging studies such as MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, but they are not always necessary, as noted in a study published in 2016 2
- The infrapatellar fat pad is a dynamic and mobile structure, which deforms during knee motion, and has proximal extensions which wrap around the patella, as described in a study published in 2018 1 The most effective approach to diagnosing and managing Hoffa's fat pad syndrome is through a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies, with a focus on conservative measures such as rest, ice, and physical therapy before considering more invasive options 3.