The effect of infrapatellar fat pad resection on outcomes post-total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

Authors

Leigh D. White, University of WollongongFollow
Rhys S. Holyoak, University of WollongongFollow
J Sant, St George Hospital
Nicholas J. Hartnell, University of WollongongFollow
Judy Mullan, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

106438

Publication Details

White, L., Holyoak, R., Sant, J., Hartnell, N. & Mullan, J. (2016). The effect of infrapatellar fat pad resection on outcomes post-total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 136 (5), 701-708.

Abstract

Introduction: The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) is resected in approximately 88 % of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries. The aim of this review is to investigate the impact of the IPFP resection on clinical outcomes post-TKA. Materials and methods: A systematic search of five major databases for all relevant articles published until May, 2015 was conducted. Studies comparing the effect of IPFP resection and preservation on outcomes post-TKA were included. Each study was then assessed individually for level of evidence and risk of bias. Studies were then grouped into post-operative outcomes and given a level of evidence ranking based on the collective strength of evidence. Results: The systematic review identified ten studies suitable for inclusion, with a total of 10,163 patients. Within these ten studies, six post-operative outcomes were identified; knee pain, vascularisation of the patella, range of motion (ROM), patella tendon length/patella infera, wound complications and patient satisfaction. Moderate evidence increased knee pain with IPFP resection post-TKA was found. Conflicting evidence was found for patella vascularisation and patellar tendon length post-TKA. Moderate evidence for no difference in ROM was found. One low quality study was found for wound complications and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: This systematic review is limited by the lack of level one randomised controlled trials (RCTs). There is however moderate level evidence that IPFP resection increases post-operative knee pain. Further level one RCTs are required to produce evidence-based guidelines regarding IPFP resection. Systematic Review Level of Evidence: 3.