Di Ludovico Armando, Mascioli Ilaria, Bella Saverio La, Grassi Giovanni, Mastromauro Concetta, Breda Luciana, Chiarelli Francesco, Musolino Anna Maria, Giannini Cosimo, Corsello Antonio
Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
UOC Rheumatology and Autoinflammatory Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Mar 24;51(1):96. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-01937-5.
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.
儿童肥胖与关节退变的早期出现之间的关联，尤其是在髌下“霍法氏”脂肪垫处，凸显了早期诊断和治疗的重要性。本综述的目的是描述超声成像作为一线成像工具在儿童关节退行性结构变化的早期检测、预防和随访中的作用。通过将超声检查结果与临床评估和指标相结合，医疗保健提供者可以更全面地了解与肥胖相关的关节改变。这种综合方法能够实现早期治疗干预，改善受影响儿童的预后。积极管理儿童肥胖不仅将改善肥胖相关关节疾病的长期预后，还将减轻成年期相关并发症（如骨关节炎）的负担。
