Yuriko Okita1, Hiroyuki Oba1, Ryohei Miura1, Masashi Morimoto1, Kazuyoshi Gamada2. 1. Department of Rehabilitation, Sadamatsu Hospital, Higashihonmachi537, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan. 2. Department of Rehabilitation, Hiroshima International University, 555-36, Kurosegakuenndai, Higashihiroshimashi, Hiroshima, Japan. Electronic address: gamada@hs.hirokoku-u.ac.jp.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) associated with knee flexion angle in young healthy individuals. METHODS: Young, healthy individuals without a history of knee injuries participated in this cross-sectional study. Behavior of the IPFP was quantified using three-dimensional (3D) models of the IPFP, patella, patellar tendon, femur, and tibia obtained from MRI taken at 0° and 30° flexion. The outcomes were movement and volume change of the IPFP, movement of the patella and the tibia, and change of the patellar tendon angle and length. RESULTS: The anterior surface of the IPFP significantly moved anteriorly by 5.23 mm (p = .003) between 30° and 0°. Change in the volume of the IPFP was significantly increased or decreased in eight hyperoctants defined by the tibial coordinate system. The IPFP moved from the postero-supero hyperoctants to anterior hyperoctants. Significant correlations were observed between the IPFP and mobility of the patella, patellar tendon or tibia. CONCLUSION: The IPFP moves antero-inferiorly during quasi-static knee extension from 30 to 0° in young healthy individuals. Comparisons of IPFP behavior between the healthy and pathological knees may help us understand the role of IPFP and problems caused by IPFP contracture in future studies.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) associated with knee flexion angle in young healthy individuals. METHODS: Young, healthy individuals without a history of knee injuries participated in this cross-sectional study. Behavior of the IPFP was quantified using three-dimensional (3D) models of the IPFP, patella, patellar tendon, femur, and tibia obtained from MRI taken at 0° and 30° flexion. The outcomes were movement and volume change of the IPFP, movement of the patella and the tibia, and change of the patellar tendon angle and length. RESULTS: The anterior surface of the IPFP significantly moved anteriorly by 5.23 mm (p = .003) between 30° and 0°. Change in the volume of the IPFP was significantly increased or decreased in eight hyperoctants defined by the tibial coordinate system. The IPFP moved from the postero-supero hyperoctants to anterior hyperoctants. Significant correlations were observed between the IPFP and mobility of the patella, patellar tendon or tibia. CONCLUSION: The IPFP moves antero-inferiorly during quasi-static knee extension from 30 to 0° in young healthy individuals. Comparisons of IPFP behavior between the healthy and pathological knees may help us understand the role of IPFP and problems caused by IPFP contracture in future studies.