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Italian journal of pediatrics
Mar 24, 2025;51 (1): 96.

Fat, flames and ultrasounds: the effects of obesity on pediatric joint inflammation.

Armando Di Ludovico, Ilaria Mascioli, Saverio La Bella, Giovanni Grassi, Concetta Mastromauro, Luciana Breda, Francesco Chiarelli, Anna Maria Musolino, Cosimo Giannini, Antonio Corsello
Author Information
  1. Armando Di Ludovico: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  2. Ilaria Mascioli: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  3. Saverio La Bella: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  4. Giovanni Grassi: Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari- Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
  5. Concetta Mastromauro: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  6. Luciana Breda: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  7. Francesco Chiarelli: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  8. Anna Maria Musolino: Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Bambino Ges�� Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
  9. Cosimo Giannini: Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
  10. Antonio Corsello: University of Milan, Milan, Italy. antonio.corsello@gmail.com. ORCID
PMID: 40128829 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-025-01937-5

Abstract

The association between childhood obesity and the early appearance of joint degeneration, particularly in the infrapatellar "Hoffa's" fat pad, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of ultrasound imaging as a first-line imaging tool for the early detection, prevention, and follow-up of degenerative structural changes in children's joints. By combining ultrasound findings with clinical assessments and indices, healthcare providers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of obesity-related joint alterations. This integrative approach enables early therapeutic interventions, improving outcomes for affected children. Proactive management of pediatric obesity will not only improve the long-term outcomes of obesity-related joint disorders but also reduce the burden of related complications, such as osteoarthritis, in adulthood.

Keywords

Hoffa's fat pad Joint inflammation Metabolic syndrome Pediatric obesity Proinflammatory cytokines Rheumatology Ultrasounds

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MeSH Term

Humans
Pediatric Obesity
Child
Ultrasonography
Journal Article Review

Word Cloud

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