Importance of Hoffa’s Pad Sign in MRI evaluation of various knee pathologies: a study conducted at SGT Hospital of SGT University of Gurugram Haryana

ABSTRACT

Hoffa’s fat pad is intracapsular and extra synovial structure present behind the patella and Infrapatellar tendon. This is delineated nicely in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) by which it has become a modality of choice for its evaluation .The evaluation is by disruption of the outline of this region due to injury or other underlying pathologies .The indirect signs of this fat pad corresponds to the grading of associated trauma or underlying disease. Methods: We had conducted the MRI knee studies of fifty three patients which included both the genders from March 2018 to July 2018 .They all were having complaints of knee pain because of different aetiologies This cross sectional study included from 7-70 years of age group and patients were evaluated for the characteristics of Hoffa’s pad in MRI .The morphological characters of the region were studied and correlated in relation to the corresponding pathology. Results: There was excellent delineation and intensity relationship of HFP in various MRI sequences. The most vulnerable group to the changes was in 21- 30 years age group .The trivial trauma was the most common cause. The left knee was affected more than the right. Conclusion: Hoffa’s fat pad sign is an excellent indicator in various knee pathologies during MR evaluation. This also helps to know the involvement of the associated surrounding structures .MRI evaluation is very helpful in the decision making for the line of management.