Our Summary

Patellar tendinopathy, often known as ‘jumpers’ knee’, is a common issue seen in athletes who frequently perform jumping and running activities. It is especially common amongst high-level basketball players. Athletes often continue to play despite experiencing symptoms, which can worsen the problem and even lead to partial tears in the patellar tendon. This can result in lengthy recovery times and a decrease in athletic performance.

This condition doesn’t typically involve inflammation, but rather small injuries to the tendon fibers. This can eventually lead to the decay and loss of certain parts of the tendon. If the tendon does tear, it usually happens in a specific location next to the kneecap.

Treatment usually starts with non-surgical methods such as changing activity levels, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy that focuses on strengthening specific muscles. Other treatments that have shown promise include shock wave treatments and injections of platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow concentrate. There’s also an emerging treatment that involves scraping the tendon with a needle and injecting it with the previously mentioned substances. However, more research is needed on this technique.

If non-surgical treatments don’t work, surgery may be considered, especially in cases where the tear is more than half the thickness of the tendon or the tendon is thicker than normal. The surgery can be open or done using an arthroscope (a small camera inserted into the joint), with no clear evidence showing that one method is better than the other. The authors of the paper suggest an open surgery technique where the unhealthy part of the tendon and bone are removed and then the healthy tendon is stitched together. A recent review has found that surgical treatment for this condition can improve patient outcomes and allow them to return to high-level sport.

In conclusion, the treatment for this challenging condition is continually evolving. Less invasive treatments and surgeries have shown promise and can provide reliable results.

FAQs

  1. What is patellar tendinopathy and who is most at risk?
  2. What are some common treatments for patellar tendinopathy?
  3. When is surgery considered for treating patellar tendinopathy?

Doctor’s Tip

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for rest, physical therapy, and any other treatments prescribed to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury. Be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider about any changes in symptoms or concerns during your recovery process. Patience and adherence to the treatment plan are key to a successful tendon repair.

Suitable For

Patients who are not able to find relief from non-surgical treatments and have significant tendon damage may be recommended for tendon repair surgery. This surgery is often recommended for athletes who need to return to high-level sports and activities that place a lot of strain on the patellar tendon. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

However, the timeline for a patient before and after tendon repair can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment approach. Generally, before tendon repair, a patient may experience pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected area. They may have already tried non-surgical treatments without success and may be experiencing a decrease in athletic performance or quality of life.

After tendon repair surgery, the patient will typically undergo a period of rest and immobilization to allow the tendon to heal properly. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises will then be gradually introduced to help restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area. The patient may also need to follow a specific rehabilitation program tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Overall, the recovery timeline for tendon repair can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the injury and the patient’s overall health and compliance with the rehabilitation program. It is essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations closely to achieve the best possible outcomes and return to their desired level of activity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair for patellar tendinopathy may include:

  1. What are the non-surgical treatment options available for my patellar tendinopathy, and how effective are they?
  2. How do you determine if surgery is necessary for my condition?
  3. What are the risks and benefits of surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy?
  4. What type of surgery would you recommend for my specific case, open surgery, or arthroscopic surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time following surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy?
  6. Are there any alternative or emerging treatments that I should consider for my condition?
  7. What are the potential long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy?
  8. How soon can I expect to return to my normal activities, including sports, following surgical treatment?
  9. What can I do to prevent future episodes of patellar tendinopathy after treatment?
  10. Are there any specific rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy programs that I should follow post-surgery to optimize my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Arner JW, Kaeding CC, Bradley JP. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2024 Jan;40(1):13-15. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.09.004. PMID: 38123261