Patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis (patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper's knee), is a relatively common cause of pain in the inferior patellar region in athletes.

Presentation
It begins as inflammation in the patellar tendon where it attaches to the patella and may progress by tearing or degenerating the tendon. Patients present with an ache over the patella tendon.

Causes
It is an overuse injury from repetitive overloading of the extensor mechansism of the knee. The microtears exceed the body's healing mechanism unless the activity is stopped.

The injury occurs in many athletes, but is most common in sports such as Soccer, Volleyball, Track & Field, Freerunning, Parkour, American Football, Netball or Basketball which require explosive movements.

Treatment
Early stages may be treated conservatively. Uncommonly it may require surgery to remove myxoid degeneration in the tendon. This is reserved for patients with debilitating pain for 6-12 months despite conservative measures.