Deformation of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad in the Low Range of Knee Flexion

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the characteristics of the infrapatellar fat pad movement in the low range of knee flexion. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-three healthy young subjects were studied using an ultrasound imaging system to measure the position of the two tissues adjacent to the infrapatellar fat pad. They were measured at the distal and central parts of the infrapatellar fat pad, at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees of knee flexion. [Results] At the distal part of the infrapatellar fat pad, the largest rate of change in position was between 0 and 15 degrees. At the central part, there was no significant difference in position between 0 and 15 degrees. [Conclusion] The movement of the infrapatellar fat pad is characterized by maximal deformation at the distal part but little deformation in the central part, in the range between 0 and 15 degrees of knee flexion.