Hoffa's Fat Pad Syndrome Flashcards
What is Hoffa’s fat pad also known as?
Hoffa’s fat pad is also known as the infrapatellar fat pad.
Where is Hoffa’s fat pad located in the knee?
It is located behind the patella (kneecap) and just in front of the femur, within the knee joint capsule.
What is the primary function of Hoffa’s fat pad?
Hoffa’s fat pad serves to cushion the knee joint, provide joint stability, and aid in lubrication during movement.
What is Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome (infrapatellar fat pad impingement)?
It is a condition where Hoffa’s fat pad becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive trauma or mechanical compression, leading to pain and swelling in the knee.
How does Hoffa’s fat pad behave during knee flexion?
During knee flexion, the fat pad is generally offloaded as it moves posteriorly, reducing compressive forces on it.
How does Hoffa’s fat pad behave during knee extension?
During knee extension, the fat pad is compressed as it is pushed anteriorly between the patella and femur, increasing pressure on the fat pad.
What are common symptoms of Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
Symptoms include anterior knee pain, particularly beneath the patella, which worsens with knee extension and is relieved by knee flexion.
How can you differentiate Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome from patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome pain is localized beneath the patella and worsens with extension and kneeling, while patellofemoral pain syndrome pain is more diffuse and often exacerbated by squatting and compression of the patella.
What diagnostic tools are used to confirm Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
What diagnostic tools are used to confirm Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
What special test is used to diagnose Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
The patellar compression test or Hoffa’s test involves applying pressure to the infrapatellar area while the knee is extended, causing pain if the fat pad is irritated.
What is the main goal of treatment in the first session for Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
The main goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, avoid mechanical compression, and restore normal knee function without aggravating the fat pad.
What is the first step in the initial assessment of Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome?
The first step is a thorough postural and gait assessment to identify contributing factors like excessive knee extension or patellar maltracking.
What is the purpose of patellar mobilisations in the first session?
Patellar mobilisations aim to improve patellar glide and reduce maltracking, which can decrease pressure on Hoffa’s fat pad.
How can Hoffa’s fat pad become bruised?
It can become bruised due to direct trauma, such as a fall or impact onto the knee, leading to what’s called a Hoffa contusion.
What causes Hoffa’s fat pad to become compressed in Hoffa impingement?
The patella moves off-center instead of gliding properly within the trochlear groove, causing compression of the fat pad between the patellar tendon and femoral condyles.
