Patella Ligament (Tendon) tear or strain (Patella Tendonitis)

Strain of the patella Ligament (Patella Tendonitis) is surprisingly common in athletes.
It usually presents as pain under the kneecap especially after jumping type sports such as basketball or netball. There is usually sharply localized tenderness over the patella tendon at the insertion into the lower pole of the kneecap.
The diagnosis is confirmed easily by an ultrasound scan
A variety of treatments can be tried all with a reasonable chance of success. Rest and physiotherapy are the mainstay of treatment initially.
Resistant cases will need surgery involving resection of the small area of damaged tendon and this can now be done arthroscopically using a new technique developed specially for this condition by us here at SPORTSMED.SA with the assistance of one of our British Research Fellows. Recovery is about the same however and is 3-6 months but the operation is less painful and the scar much smaller. Success for this procedure in reducing or eliminating pain occurs in about 70% of cases. It is NOT 100%.
Complete ruture of the tendon (tear) is very rare and usually follows significant trauma or steroid abuse. Surgical repair is then necessary with quite prolonged recovery up to 6 months and sometimes a less that optimal result.