Features of Patellar Tendinopathy

• Patellar tendinopathy - Hallmark features:

  • Pain localised to the inferior pole of the patella
  • Load related pain with increased demand on knee extensors – especially ‘energy store and release’
• Patellar tendinopathy - Key differences to PFJP:

  • more common in Males than females
  • Typically aggravated by jumping sports
  • Pattern of pain: ‘ warm up pain’ and worse the day after loading
• Patella tendinopathy diagnosis - Primarily based on defining features:

  • Pain localised to inferior pole of patella
  • Aggravated by energy store and release activities
• Patella tendinopathy diagnosis - Some studies include:

  • Pain on single leg decline squat
  • Tendinosis on ultrasound
• Patella tendinopathy diagnosis - Other key distinguish features:

  • ‘warm up phenomenon’
  • Rare to have pain at rest
  • Dose dependent pain