The aim of this study was to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric and morphometric characteristics of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) and the suprapatellar fat pad (
SFP) in normal controls, moderate and end-stage
osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Forty-four MRI images of the three groups were collected:
a) 17 patients undergoing
meniscectomy with Outerbridge score 0 (control group); b) 15 patients undergoing
meniscectomy with Outerbridge score 3/4 (moderate OA group); and c) 12 patients undergoing
total knee replacement (end-stage OA group). Volume, depth, femoral and tibial arch lengths of IFP were quantified. The hypointense IFP signals were also scored. The
SFP volume, oblique, antero-posterior and cranio-caudal lengths were determined. IFP and
SFP characteristics were compared between groups. A decrease of IFP volume, depth, femoral, and tibial arch lengths in moderate and end-stage OA compared to controls were observed. A difference in IFP hypointense signal was found between groups. No differences were found in
SFP characteristics between the groups. In controls and moderate OA patients, correlations were found among the different MRI characteristics of both IFP and
SFP, while in the end-stage OA group correlations were found only in
SFP. We evidenced differences of the IFP MRI morphometric characteristics between the groups analyzed, supporting an important role of IFP in OA pathology and progression. On the contrary, no differences were highlighted in
SFP analysis suggesting that this fat pad is not clearly involved in OA, probably due to its peculiar localization and different function.