Effects of Vibration on the Infrapatellar Fat Pad during Rat Knee Joint Immobilization

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to histopathologically determine whether treatment of the knee joint with vibrational stimulation during the cast fixation period could prevent changes in the infrapatellar fat pad. [Participants and Methods] Fourteen, 9-week-old, male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups based on treatment strategies: Group C, control rats reared normally (n=5); Group I, rats that were immobilized (n=5); and Group V, rats treated with vibrational stimulation during immobilization (n=4). The right hindlimb was immobilized by cast fixation. In group V, vibration stimulation was applied for 15 minutes every day for 2 weeks. [Results] Adipose cells of different sizes and fibrosis were observed in groups I and V. The cross-sectional areas of fat cells were significantly different among the groups. [Conclusion] Vibrational stimulation may have a preventive effect on changes in fat cells associated with joint immobility.