Actively Recruiting
Diagnostic Validity Ofclinical Tests for Infrapatellar Fat Pad Impingement Syndrome
Led by Hopitaux de Saint-Maurice · Updated on 2026-02-20
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
49 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The ETICHOFFA study is a clinical research project aiming to improve the diagnosis of Infrapatellar fat pad impingement syndrome, a common source of anterior knee pain. Although MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosis, clinical testing strategies lack validation. This observational study has two main objectives: to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a cluster of standardized clinical provocation tests for IFP impingement compared to MRI findings, and to identify clinical and subjective characteristics associated with IFP involvement confirmed by imaging. This observational study will recruit 50 patients aged 18 to 70 years with anterior knee pain rated at least 3 out of 10 in intensity. Participants will complete a secure online questionnaire documenting symptoms, pain distribution, aggravating and relieving factors, and pain intensity at rest, during activity, and daily life. They will also complete three validated scales: the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). A standardized clinical examination will be performed, including subpatellar skin temperature measurement, knee swelling assessment, passive range of motion testing, and a series of provocation tests targeting Hoffa's fat pad. Tests will be randomized to reduce bias and considered positive if they reproduce the patient's typical pain with an intensity of at least 2/10. Each participant must also undergo a standardized MRI of the knee within two weeks of the clinical assessment, interpreted blindly by an independent musculoskeletal radiologist. All data will be anonymized, stored securely, and analyzed using SPSS software. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests will be evaluated through sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Functional outcomes related to taping will also be analyzed. The study has received ethical approval and adheres to GDPR standards for data protection. Participation is voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time. The ETICHOFFA study is expected to enhance clinical diagnostic pathways for anterior knee pain associated with Infrapatellar fat pad involvement.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Diagnostic Validity Ofclinical Tests for Infrapatellar Fat Pad Impingement Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 70 years
- Anterior knee pain with intensity of 3 or more on a numerical pain scale on most days in the past month
- Knee MRI performed within 15 days before or after the clinical exam
You will not qualify if you...
- Corticosteroid injection treatment within the past 12 months
- Known allergy or skin intolerance to medical adhesives or rigid tape
- History of hip or lumbar spine surgery
- History of neurological disorders or diagnosis of fibromyalgia
- Contraindication to MRI such as metallic foreign body or incompatible implantable device
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hôpitaux Paris Est Val-de-Marne - Service de rééducation orthopédique et traumatologie
Saint-Maurice, France, 94410
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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