What Is a Fat Pad in Knee

The infrapatellar fat pad (commonly known as Hoffa’s fat pad) is located at the anterior (front) of the knee joint. It is a large structure positioned just behind the patellar tendon and the knee cap. It is essentially the soft bit you can push at the front of the knee under your knee cap.

What causes fat pad syndrome?

The common causes of Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome include: Chronic knee osteoarthritis. Sudden injury, such as a direct hit to the knee. Tight quadricep muscles.

How long does it take for a fat pad to heal?

What’s the recovery prognosis for Fat Pad Syndrome/Impingement? * Generally, the prognosis is good. Most patients recover with conservative management in rehabilitation in 8 to 12 weeks. * Steroid injections can be recommended in cases of severe pain.