Hoffa’s fat pad thickness: a measurement method with sagittal MRI sequences

Abstract

Background Hoffa’s fat pad is a structure located within the fibrous joint capsule of the knee joint, but outside the synovial cavity. It plays an important biomechanical and metabolic role in knee joint, reducing the impact of forces generated by loading and producing cytokines. Changes in its size can induce modifications in the knee homeostasis. However, a great variability exists regarding its measurements. This work aims to evaluate the reliability of a measurement method of Hoffa’s fat pad dimensions through MRI. Methods 3T sagittal IW 2D TSE fat-suppressed MRI sequences, taken from the OAI (Osteoarthritis initiative) database, of 191 male and female patients, aged between 40 and 80 years, were analysed; a manual measurement of the thickness of Hoffa’s fat pad of each subject was then performed by two different readers. The interobserver reliability and intraobserver reliability of the measurements were described by coefficient of variation (CV), Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman plots. Results All statistical analyses have shown that not significant intra- or interobservers differences were evident (intraobserver CV % for the first observer was 2.17% for the right knee and 2.24% for the left knee, while for the second observer 2.31% for the right knee and 2.24% for the left knee; linear correlation was for the first observer r = 0.96 for the right knee and r = 0.96 for the left knee, while for the second observer r = 0.97 for the right knee and r = 0.96 for the left knee; in addition, the interobserver CV % was 1.25% for the right knee and 1.21% for the left knee and a high interobserver linear correlation was found: r = 0.97 for the right knee and r = 0.96 for the left knee). All results suggest that this manual measurement method of Hoffa’s fat pad thickness can be performed with satisfactory intra- and interobserver reliability. Conclusions Hoffa’s fat pad thickness can be measured, using sagittal MRI images, with this manual method that represents, for his high reliability, an effective means for the study of this anatomical structure.

The thickness change ratio and preservation ratio of the infrapatellar fat pad are related to anterior knee pain in patients following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

“…The IPFP is pivotal in knee metabolism and inflammation, secreting various cytokines [ 49 , 50 ]. Alterations in IPFP thickness and morphology can impact adipose tissue cell numbers, influencing inflammatory cytokine levels and potentially leading to joint tissue pathology [ 33 ]. Consequently, changes in IPFP thickness may be significant in AKP among postoperative patients.…”

“…The method of Giovanni Ricatti et al [ 33 ] was improved to measure the IPFP thickness. The sagittal image close to the midpoint of the knee joint and perpendicular to the articular surface was selected as the measurement image.…”

Correlation between the Signal Intensity Alteration of Infrapatellar Fat Pad and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study

“…The maximum cross-sectional area (CSA) of IPFP and the depth of IPFP are commonly used to describe the size of IPFP in MRI [ 39 ]. In our study, compared with the non-OA group, the OA group had smaller IPFP maximum CSA and IPFP depth.…”

Multimodality Imaging Assessment of Desmoid Tumors: The Great Mime in the Era of Multidisciplinary Teams

“…Since the management of DTs mandates a multidisciplinary approach, imaging plays a pivotal role in the detection and assessment of these lesions. In the correct radiological disease management, multimodality imaging, including ultrasound (US), Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), should also be preferred concerning the different phases of DTs approaches [ 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 ]. In fact, during radiologist work-up, different moments may be considered: detection and characterization, adjacent structures involvement assessment, treatment response evaluation and surveillance [ 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 ].…”