Three-dimensional volume and shape of the infrapatellar fat pad during quasi-static knee extension from 30° to 0° : comparisons of patients with osteoarthritic knees and young, healthy individuals

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 35; no. 7; pp. 507 - 514
• Main Authors: YURIKO OKITA, RYOHEI MIURA, MASASHI MORIMOTO, TOSHIHIRO SADAMATSU, TOSHIO KAWAHARA, KAZUYOSHI GAMADA
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2023
• ISSN: 0915-5287

Abstract. [Purpose] Previous studies suggest that the infrapatellar-fat-pad is affected by aging or knee osteoarthritis, and that the infrapatellar-fat-pad in knee osteoarthritis cases may be associated with limited mobility during knee movement. This study aimed to determine changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar-fat-pad between 30° and 0° of knee extension in knee osteoarthritis cases and in young, healthy individuals, and to characterize differences in patellar mobility, patellar tendon mobility, and length between the groups. [Participants and Methods] We created 3D models of the infrapatellar-fat-pad, the patellar tendon, and bones using sagittal MRI with the knee at 30° and 0°. The following four parameters were determined: (1) movement of the infrapatellar-fat-pad; (2) infrapatellar-fat-pad volume; (3) angle and surface length of the patellar tendon; and (4) patellar movement. [Results] Compared with the knee osteoarthritis group, the healthy group showed (1) reduced anterior movement of the infrapatellar-fat-pad; (2) smaller volume changes only in the infero-postero-lateral portion; and (3) no changes in the angle of the patellar tendon to the tibial plateau between 30° to 0°. [Conclusion] In conclusion, between 30° and 0°, (1) the infrapatellar-fat-pad in patients with knee osteoarthritis exhibited less anterior movement, and (2) the patellar tendon angle was diminished in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with those of young-healthy knees.