Condition Anatomy
The Infrapatellar Fat Pad (Hoffa’s Fat Pad) is a soft, highly innervated structure located beneath the kneecap and behind the patellar tendon. It cushions the knee and allows smooth movement during extension and flexion.
Understanding the Injury
Fat Pad Impingement occurs when this tissue becomes pinched, inflamed, or thickened between the femur and tibia.
It commonly develops due to repetitive knee extension, hypertension injuries, poor patellar tracking, or post-surgical scarring.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Our non-operative treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring proper knee mechanics:
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery may be considered if conservative care fails, typically involving arthroscopic fat pad debridement while preserving knee stability.
Special Considerations
Fat Pad Impingement is frequently misdiagnosed as patellar tendon pain. Early identification prevents chronic inflammation.
Recovery Expectations
Most patients improve within 6 to 10 Weeks non-surgically.
Delayed treatment can result in chronic anterior knee pain and motion limitation.
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon
If anterior knee pain worsens with extension or standing and does not improve with rest, evaluation is recommended.
Why Accelerate Orthopedics is the Right Center
We use dynamic ultrasound evaluation to precisely identify fat pad inflammation and avoid unnecessary procedures.
How Our Doctors Diagnose the Condition
