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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor may be able to determine that you have patellar tendinitis based on your signs and symptoms. If the diagnosis isn't as clear, he or she may conduct tests to rule out other conditions. Tests and examinations might include:
- Physical exam. Your doctor may apply pressure to different parts of your knee to determine exactly where you're experiencing pain. Pain associated with patellar tendinitis usually concentrates on the front part of your knee, just below your kneecap.
- X-rays. X-rays don't show the patellar tendon, but they do help to exclude other bone problems that could contribute to knee pain.
- Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create an image of your knee, revealing the location of tears in your patellar tendon.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images that are more detailed than ultrasound images. MRI can reveal more subtle changes in the patellar tendon.
A combination of tests may help your doctor rule out other conditions that can cause knee pain similar to patellar tendinitis, such as:
- Pain behind your kneecap (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
- Tears in the cartilage (meniscus) that cushions your knee joint
- Breakdown of the cartilage underneath your kneecap (chondromalacia patella)
- Hudgins TH. Jumper's knee. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/1678/67.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50066-3--cesec4_1064. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Choi L. Overuse injuries. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/2079/17.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0125_1247. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Miller TT. Common tendon and muscle injuries: Lower extremity. Ultrasound Clinics. 2007;2:595.
- Azar FM. Traumatic disorders. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/0/1584/351.html?tocnode=55688624&fromURL=351.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50049-0--cesec7_2498. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Khan K, et al. Overview of the management of overuse (chronic) tendinopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Cucurulo T, et al. Surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy in athletes. A retrospective multicentric study. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research.2009;95:78.
- Rees JD. Management of tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;37:1855.
- James SLJ, et al. Ultrasound guided dry needling and autologous blood injection for patellar tendinosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007;41:518.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 23, 2009.
