DR. WARREN KING
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

KNEE PATELLAR TENDINITIS

ARTHROSCOPY & SPORTS MEDICINE
HUGHES ORTHOPEDICS

100 S. Ellsworth Ave., #504
San Mateo CA 94401

KNEE PATELLAR TENDINITIS

DESCRIPTION

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Fig 1: Diagram of the knee noting the patellar tendon (ligament).

Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the patellar tendon. The tendon attaches the knee cap to the shin bone, and critical in straightening the leg and slowing the knee down during bending or squatting. Patellar tendonitis can range from a slight inflammation and microscopic tearing of the tendon up to a complete rupture of the tendon.

Tendonitis can develop after a sudden increase in either amount or intensity of activity, or after a direct blow to the knee or patellar tendon. This is common with activities that include jumping, quick starts, kicking, running downhill. Patellar tendonitis is also common in individuals with weak quadriceps, tight hamstrings and / or flat feet.

PREVENTION

Patellar tendonitis can be prevented with quadriceps stretching and maintaining flexibility.

SYMPTOMS

Most commonly patients note anterior knee pain. Tenderness can occur just below the patella (knee cap). Pain can occur with jumping, squatting, kneeling, or when going up or down stairs.

Non-Surgical Treatment

First, rest from or modification of activities that cause symptoms is most important. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications may also be very helpful in the initial phase of treatment.

If symptoms are severe a knee immobilizer may be recommended.

Once acute symptoms have improved exercise is started to increase range of motion, flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings, and slow increase of strengthening exercises. All exercises should be pain free. Physical therapy can be very helpful to develop a home or gym program.

Use of a knee sleeve or patellar strap may also be helpful. Finally a slow pain-free return to all activities and sports should be possible.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Surgery may be indicated in patients who fail to improve with non-surgical treatment or those with severe patellar tendonitis. Surgical debridement cleans out inflamed portion of the patellar tendon and if indicated the bone where the tendon inserts.

Prognosis

Most patients are able to treat patellar tendonitis with a home exercise program and possibly some physical therapy. Very few patients require surgical intervention.


REHABILITATION

STRENGHTENING EXERCISES

Start with the flexibility exercises then slowly add the strengthening exercises. Add exercises based on pain, rehabilitation should always be pain- free.
See Figs. 2 to 7.

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Fig 2: Knee Flexion. Lying face down, slowly bend the affected knee as far as possible without pain then release down. Repeat as able.
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Fig 3: Prone Quadriceps Stretch. Lie face down and bend the affected knee and grasp with hand. Gently pull and hold for30 seconds. Relax and repeat.
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Fig 4: Hamstring stretch. Either by laying on your back, pulling the straight leg towards you chest of by leaning over a straight bridged leg.
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Fig 5: Straight leg raise. Tighten the muscles in the affected leg and slowly raise 6- 10 inches off the floor. Repeat as able.
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Fig 6: Quadriceps strengthening. Raise up on the balls of feel and squat down. Slowly raise and lower in a pain-free manner.
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Fig 7: Quadriceps strengthening. Stand on the edge of a step, the affected knee should line up with the second toe. With the other leg, slowly step down and touch the heel of the opposite leg on the stair below and then return to the starting position. Keep motion pain-free.