Norwood

Researchers are evaluating treatment outcomes for young female athletes aged 12 to 18 years who have refractory anterior knee pain caused by Hoffa's Fat Pad Impingement (HFPI). This study focuses on comparing the effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections to the Hoffa's Fat Pad against standard care, which includes physical therapy combined with either saline injection or no injection. The aim is to understand how these treatments influence pain and knee function in this specific pediatric population. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive an ultrasound-guided injection of methylprednisolone acetate and lidocaine corticosteroid combined with physical therapy, while the other group will receive a saline injection alongside physical therapy. These injections are administered at the visit. Both groups will continue physical therapy, and patient-reported outcomes on quality of life, pain interference, symptoms, function, and activity levels will be collected at 4 and 8 weeks after injection. During the study, participants will be monitored from enrollment through 8 weeks afterward using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score to measure knee function and symptoms. Imaging such as X-ray and MRI must be completed before enrollment. Outcomes include patient feedback through questionnaires and physical assessments to track improvements or changes in knee pain and function. The study does not focus on the safety or effectiveness of the injection mixture but rather on treatment outcomes for HFPI in young female athletes.