Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the shape and volume of
the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) associated with knee flexion angle in young healthy
individuals.
Methods
Young, healthy individuals without a history of knee injuries participated in this
cross-sectional study. Behavior of the IPFP was quantified using three-dimensional
(3D) models of the IPFP, patella, patellar tendon, femur, and tibia obtained from
MRI taken at 0° and 30° flexion. The outcomes were movement and volume change of the
IPFP, movement of the patella and the tibia, and change of the patellar tendon angle
and length.
Results
The anterior surface of the IPFP significantly moved anteriorly by 5.23 mm (p = .003)
between 30° and 0°. Change in the volume of the IPFP was significantly increased or
decreased in eight hyperoctants defined by the tibial coordinate system. The IPFP
moved from the postero-supero hyperoctants to anterior hyperoctants. Significant correlations
were observed between the IPFP and mobility of the patella, patellar tendon or tibia.
Conclusion
The IPFP moves antero-inferiorly during quasi-static knee extension from 30 to 0°
in young healthy individuals. Comparisons of IPFP behavior between the healthy and
pathological knees may help us understand the role of IPFP and problems caused by
IPFP contracture in future studies.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: January 13, 2020
Accepted:
October 22,
2019
Received in revised form:
September 12,
2019
Received:
June 11,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
