The aim of the study was to assess phosphorus (P) concentration in structures of the knee joint-including the tibial spongy bone, articular cartilage, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, and infrapatellar fat pad (Hoffa's fat pad)-of patients following knee joint replacement. The study also aimed to assess the influence of selected biological and environmental factors on P concentration in studied parts of the knee joint. Phosphorus concentration was determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Statistically significant differences in P concentration were found between different elements of the knee joint. The highest P concentration was measured in the spongy bone (72,746.68 mg kg-1 dw) and the lowest in the Hoffa's fat pad (1203.19 mg kg-1 dw). P levels were unaffected by gender, age, BMI, place of residence, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Data on P concentration in the osteoarticular elements of the knee may be useful in the interpretation and evaluation of biochemical, morphological, and mechanical changes occurring in the body.
Keywords: Hoffa’s fat pad; endoprosthesia; phosphorus.