Clinical considerations involving the Infrapatellar Fat Pad

Introduction

Before a definitive differential diagnosis can be made, in the presence of anterior knee pain, the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) must be eliminated or highlighted as a potential source of symptoms. It is first essential to understand both the anatomy and role of the IPFP and then to be aware of clinical signs and testing procedures, indicative of IPFP pathology, to allow accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, treatment of IPFP pathologies can vary greatly from conservative use of physiotherapy or medication through to surgical excision. Once again, it is important, for better prognosis, to understand the consequences of employing available treatment and management options. This paper will discuss each of these points and will highlight recent research.

Key Words:

• infrapatellar fat pad
• knee
• anterior knee pain