The normal arthroscopic anantomy of the infrapatellar fat pad

The Normal Arthroscopic Anatomy of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad. Aims: To define the normal arthroscopic anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad and any common variations. Background: Although the infrapatellar fat pad has long been recognised as a potential cause of anterior knee pain, the processes by which this occurs are poorly understood. There are very few studies describing the normal anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad, and any that have been completed are limited. The lack of definition of normal anatomy may contribute to the lack of a definite diagnosis in many cases. Methods: 101 participants between the ages of 18 - 50 with no previous surgery had an arthroscopic examination of the knee for unrelated knee pathology. The fat pad from each patient was observed and described including size, colour, consistency, presence of Iobules, villous synovium and a lingula. Results: The normal arthroscopic anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad was defined. The medial section is usually yellow (84.2%) in colour and medium (42.5%) or large (37.6%) in size, with an infrapatellar lingula 85.2%) and some degree of Iobulation (62.4%). Villous synovium is usually present (65.4%), often along the free edge of the lingula. The lateral aspect is usually medium (46.6%) or small (36.6%) in size, with Iobulation (84.2%) often close to ligamentum mucosum. As with the medial side, the lateral fat pad is usually yellow (86.1%), however villous synovium is present approximately half (48.5%) the time, and an infrapatellar lingula is present rarely (14.85%). Conclusion: The normal arthroscopic anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad has been described. Future research should be directed into defining pathologic states of the fat pad, and the clinical implications of this