The Corpus Adiposum Infrapatellare (Hoffa's Fat Pad)-The Role of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis

In recent years, the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) has gained increasing research interest. The contribution of the IFP to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) through extensive interactions with the synovium, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone is being considered. As part of the initiation process of OA, IFP secretes abundant pro-inflammatory mediators among many other factors. Today, the IFP is (partially) resected in most total knee arthroplasties (TKA) allowing better visualization during surgical procedures. Currently, there is no clear guideline providing evidence in favor of or against IFP resection. With increasing numbers of TKAs, there is a focus on preventing adverse postoperative outcomes. Therefore, anatomic features, role in the development of knee OA, and consequences of resecting versus preserving the IFP during TKA are reviewed in the following article.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP). It is believed to play a role in the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) through its interactions with the synovium, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone. While IFP is (partially) resected in most total knee arthroplasties (TKA), there is currently no clear guideline in favor of or against this practice.