Is Superolateral Hoffa Fat Pad Edema a Consequence of Impingement between Lateral Femoral Condyle and Patellar Ligament?

Abstract

A high-riding patella, a short distance between the patellar ligament and the lateral trochlear facet, and an increased distance from the tibial tubercle to the trochlear groove are associated with superolateral Hoffa fat pad edema at MR imaging. These results are suggestive of impingement between the lateral femoral condyle and the posterior aspect of the patellar ligament in these patients.