[Hoffa disease: diagnosis and arthroscopic treatment]

The diagnosis of Hoffa disease (syndrome of impigement of the infrapatellar fat pad) was established in 20 patients with anterior knee pain by clinical physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings. Arthroscopic partial or total resections of the infrapatellar fat pad were performed after arthroscopic examination. According to the Larson's rating score for knee function, 18 cases had a satisfactory result at an average follow-up of 36 months. The results of follow-up also suggested there was no significant difference between the partial and total resections of the fat pad.