Large Synovial Chondroma of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Neoplasms of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) although rare are a potential source of anterior knee pain and swelling. Masses comprised of cartilage and/or osseous tissues within the IFP have been reported with marked inconsistency. Diagnosis is based upon radiographic, surgical, and histologic characteristics. As a result, multiple terms and variable nomenclature have been used to describe these masses. We present a case of a benign cartilage neoplasm of the IFP that was successfully treated with surgical excision and a review of case reports and series of similar masses to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of intrinsic osseous and chondral neoplasms of the IFP.