Infrapatellar fat pad

Infrapatellar Fat Pad

The Infrapatellar Fat Pad (also known as Hoffa's fat pad after the German anatomist Albert Hoffa) is an intracapsular, extrasynovial structure in the knee joint. It is a highly vascular and innervated structure, which plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of the knee joint.

Etymology

The term "Infrapatellar" is derived from the Latin words "infra" meaning below and "patella" meaning kneecap. The term "Hoffa's fat pad" is named after Albert Hoffa, a German anatomist who first described it in detail.

Anatomy

The Infrapatellar Fat Pad is located anterior to the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior to the patellar ligament. It is bounded superiorly by the patella and the patellar tendon, and inferiorly by the tibial plateau. It is richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves.

Function

The Infrapatellar Fat Pad serves as a cushioning agent in the knee joint, protecting it from mechanical impact. It also plays a role in knee joint lubrication and nutrition. It has been suggested that the Infrapatellar Fat Pad may have a proprioceptive function, contributing to joint stability.

Clinical Significance

Injury or inflammation of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad can lead to a condition known as Hoffa's syndrome. This can cause anterior knee pain and impaired knee function. Treatment options include physiotherapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

Related Terms

• Hoffa's syndrome
• Anterior cruciate ligament
• Patellar ligament
• Patella
• Tibial plateau

See Also

• Knee joint
• Knee pain
• Knee surgery

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