Infrapatellar contracture syndrome

Infrapatellar contracture syndrome is a condition of excessive scarring behind the patellar tendon, in the infrapatellar area.

normal infrapatellar area

Normal tissues below the patella and the patella in a normal position.

infrapatellar contracture

Infrapatellar contracture syndrome with the tissues scarred below the patella and the patella pulled down.

 

Excessive scarring

A disorder of excessive scarring within the knee, where the patellar tendon, fat pad and surrounding tissues scar (fibrose) and contact, pulling the patella into an abnormally low position (patella infera).

Synonyms: 
Anterior interval arthrofibrosis
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Related Content

Infrapatellar contracture syndrome

Dr Peter Millett chats about his experience with infrapatellar contracture syndrome and the importance of recognising it early before the shortening of the patellar tendon becomes irreversible.

Anterior interval release - the rationale behind this surgical procedure

Dr Peter Millett discusses why knee surgeons need to be aware that arthrofibrotic scarring can occur in this area because of the position of their arthroscopic portals (cuts).

1987 - Infrapatellar contracture syndrome. An unrecognised cause of knee stiffness with patella entrapment and patella infera

An 'interpretation' of a 1987 article where surgeons were understanding the role of scarring in entrapping the patella and drawing it into an abnormally low and painful position.

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CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS

Arthroscopic Resection of Fat Pad Lesions and Infrapatellar Contractures. Doner GP and Noyes FR. Arthrosc Tech. 2014 Jun; 3(3): e413–e416.

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