Recesses along the posterior margin of the infrapatellar (Hoffa?s) fat pad: prevalence and morphology on routine MR imaging of the knee

Abstract

The objective is to evaluate the prevalence and morphology of recesses along the posterior margin of the infrapatellar fat pad on routine MR imaging of the knee. MR images of 213 knees in 204 consecutive individuals were evaluated with regard to the prevalence and morphology of recesses (a "suprahoffatic" recess close to the inferior border of the patella and the previously described "infrahoffatic" recess anterior to the inferior portion of the infrapatellar plica). The recesses were analyzed with regard to synovial effusion and the condition of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Anatomic dissection was made in 29 knees in 16 cadavers to verify the presence of the suprahoffatic recess. The infrahoffatic recess was present in 45% of the knees and mostly linear in shape (44%). The suprahoffatic recess was detected in 71% of the knees (45% in cadavers). Very weak to moderate positive correlation was found between the synovial effusion or the condition of the ACL and the presence and dimensions of the recesses. An awareness of the recesses in the infrapatellar fat pad is important in order to distinguish between pathology and anatomic variants on routine MR imaging of the knee.

Magnetic resonance imaging of Hoffa's fat pad and relevance for osteoarthritis research: a narrative review

“…The second cleft is anterior to the anterior horns of the menisci and has a horizontal direction also called infra-hoffatic recess 70 . The infra-hoffatic recess is often noted around the intermeniscal ligament lying anterior, posterior or inferior to it 71 . The latter recess is also reported to be in close contact with the infrapatellar plica (ligamentum mucosum, or infrapatellar synovial fold), which was reported to form the roof of the infra-hoffatic recess 72 .…”

“…10). The infra-hoffatic recess is present in 45e90% of MR examinations, while the superior cleft is present in up to 71% of the cases 71,72 . The size and shape of the inferior posterior recess are considerably variable, and may be confused with ganglion cysts especially when globular or ovoid.…”

“…The size and shape of the inferior posterior recess are considerably variable, and may be confused with ganglion cysts especially when globular or ovoid. More commonly though, the infra-hoffatic recess is linear and represents a common finding on routine MR imaging of the knee 71 . Depiction and characteristics of these recesses may depend on the concomitant amount of joint effusion and synovitis and may be a reason for observed volume changes or fluctuation in cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements ( Fig.…”

MRI characteristics of cysts and “cyst-like” lesions in and around the knee: what the radiologist needs to know

“…There are numerous anatomical knee recesses that can be demonstrated in cases of knee effusion and may be misinterpreted as cyst-like lesions [47–50]. Good knowledge of those spaces is essential in order to avoid pitfalls in MRI.…”

Extraarticular Knee Resection for Sarcomas with Preservation of the Extensor Mechanism: Surgical Technique and Review of Cases

“…The Hoffa fat pad, which lies extraarticular but partly intracapsular, is left entirely with the specimen (Fig. 2) [2,3,11,17,19]. The vastus lateralis then is dissected according to the tumor extent, now having access to the femur on all sides.…”