Hoffa's Disease in a Modern Dancer Case Report and Literature Review

J Dance Med Sci. 2018 Sep 15;22(3):168-173. doi: 10.12678/1089-313X.22.3.168.

Abstract

We present the case of a modern dancer at the university level with left knee pain as a result of Hoffa's disease. A comprehensive literature review of Hoffa's disease indicates that it may be an under-recognized condition. Predisposing factors in dance training include torsion and hyperextension at the knee, particularly in conjunction with pelvic instability and weakness. Clinicians should be cognizant of this differential diagnosis when evaluating dancers with knee pain. We present a detailed progressive rehabilitation protocol including transitional interventions for Hoffa's disease in the dancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Arthralgia / etiology*
  • Dancing*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / complications
  • Joint Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Diseases / pathology*
  • Knee Joint / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Patella / diagnostic imaging
  • Patella / pathology*
  • Young Adult