Infrapatellar Fat Pad and Knee Osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease primarily affecting cartilage.
• The pathogenesis of OA is complex and increasingly viewed as a disease of the entire "joint organ".
• The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), a synovial-associated adipose tissue, is gaining attention for its inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current evidence on the involvement of the IFP in knee osteoarthritis (OA) development.
• To propose potential mechanisms by which the IFP contributes to OA pathogenesis.
• To highlight the need for further research into the IFP's role in OA.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review.
• Extensive literature search was conducted to gather evidence on IFP and knee OA.
• Evidence was synthesized to propose underlying mechanisms.

Main Results:

• A substantial body of evidence supports the IFP's involvement in the development of knee OA.
• Proposed mechanisms suggest the IFP's inflammatory phenotype contributes to OA.
• The precise role and mechanisms require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The IFP is an important factor in knee osteoarthritis pathogenesis.
• Understanding the IFP's mechanisms is crucial for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is essential to target the IFP for OA management.