The Macroscopic Arthroscopic Anatomy of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad

Abstract

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to define the macroscopic anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) when viewed at arthroscopy and to document the common variations. METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive patients between 8 and 50 years of age with no previous knee surgery or fat pad pathology underwent arthroscopic examination of the knee. The fat pad of each patient was observed and described regarding size, color, consistency, and the presence of lobules, villous synovium, and lingulae. RESULTS: The macroscopic arthroscopic anatomy of the IFP was defined. Male fat pads were larger than female fat pads. Two separate parts were described-medial and lateral-with medial dominence being most typical. The s..