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Fibrous scar in the infrapatellar fat pad after arthroscopy: MR imaging
1Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Purpose:
We describe the MR appearance of fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad after arthroscopy.
Materials And Methods:
The subjects were 96 patients who underwent arthroscope-assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and were examined by oblique sagittal MR imaging at different follow-up intervals. Two observers evaluated the characteristics of the fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad.
Results:
All fibrous scars with low signal intensity were accentuated at the portal and coursed horizontally through the infrapatellar fat pad. The fibrous scar within the fat pad occurred and peaked within 6 months after arthroscopy. It then subsided gradually and had disappeared by one year later in nearly half of the patients.
Conclusion:
Identifying MR imaging characteristics of fibrous scars in the fat pad after arthroscopy may be clinically helpful to differentiate these scars from other abnormalities that involve the infrapatellar fat pad.
Insights
Fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are visible on MRI. These scars appear as low-intensity signals, peaking within six months post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure for knee joint issues.
- Infrapatellar fat pad abnormalities can cause anterior knee pain.
- Post-arthroscopic changes in the infrapatellar fat pad require accurate characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearance of fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad following arthroscopy.
- To establish imaging criteria for differentiating post-arthroscopic fibrous scars from other infrapatellar fat pad pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MR imaging in 96 patients who underwent arthroscope-assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
- Oblique sagittal MR imaging was performed at various follow-up intervals.
- Two independent observers evaluated the characteristics of fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad.
Main Results:
- Fibrous scars presented as low signal intensity on MR imaging.
- Scars were accentuated at the arthroscopic portal site and coursed horizontally within the infrapatellar fat pad.
- These scars typically appeared and peaked within 6 months, gradually subsided, and were absent in nearly 50% of patients by 1 year post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates characteristic features of fibrous scars in the infrapatellar fat pad after arthroscopy.
- Recognition of these MR imaging findings can aid in distinguishing post-arthroscopic fibrous scars from other infrapatellar fat pad abnormalities.
- This differentiation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.