Fat Pad Impingement 8 years and counting – advice please!

[plant]

Thanks Vickster- really helpful advice. I did see Claire -she was really helpful and is clearly an expert! She does understand why I am looking into pursuing surgery given the severity of it but that they don't really do the surgery at Wimbledon. Would you say your surgery was fairly successful? And if so who did the surgery? I'm trying to find a surgeon who has enough experience in it.  I'm quite desparate because I'm unable to walk without symptoms! At this point I'm willing to pay for it. Thanks for your help

[Clarkey]

With the current global health crises with the NHS going into overdrive would be wise paying privately, if you have the finances to see an OS specialised in PF problems, to put your mind at ease. Known Vicky for many years on KG, have only heard high praise about Claire Robertson who will try out less invasive treatment options before referring you to an orthopaedic surgeon for a surgical procedure. Any type of surgery is risk, after having my fat pad shaved it caused excessive scar tissue build up with two further surgeries on my right knee. Or it might have been the medial plica excision causing the scar to tissue build up excessively?

Can see why you are willing to give surgery as a go under the supervision of an OS specialised in PFS. Important to have good post-op aftercare. Soft tissue injuries can give negative MRI scan images. An exploratory scope at your own risk could show up other problems missed out on an MRI scan or physical examination. A small effusion can also be enough evidence to go for an exploratory scope.

Good luck.

[email protected]

[Limping_Loafer]

Just wondering if you went ahead with the surgery and if so, how you're doing? I'm due to have an arthroscopy to partially remove my lateral fat pad in October so looking for success stories. I've already seen Claire and had quite a few injections directly into the fat pad but I've reached the point where I haven't been able to walk for over 3 months now so it's looking like surgery is my only option. I've struggled with fat pad impingement since 2010 when I had an exploratory arthroscopy and developed scar tissue and inflammation at the portal sites and within the lateral Hoffa's fat pad. I've tried physio, steroid injections, alcohol ablation, gait analysis, custom orthotics, nerve conduction studies, pilates and numerous pain meds, all to no avail. I've had periods when I've been ok and able to walk and take part in sport providing I do nothing dynamic on the affected leg. However, overall the knee has been very unreliable and I've had periods of months at a time when I cannot walk at all. These periods have become more frequent since 2017 for no apparent reason and are extremely disruptive to my life. I hope you're doing better.