Arthroscopic Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy: Use of 70° Arthroscope and Superolateral Portal

Abstract

Surgical treatment of recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy includes both the open surgical approach and minimally invasive arthroscopic debridement. A variety of arthroscopic techniques have been described that involve the use of a standard 30° arthroscope and standard anterolateral and anteromedial portals. As a result, visualization of the infrapatellar region can be variable, and it may be necessary to create additional portals. A 70° arthroscope provides the advantage of a wider field of view to the surgeon. By placing a 70° arthroscope through a superolaterally created portal around the knee joint, the surgeon acquires a complete view of the infrapatellar region and patellar tendon. Thus, debridement of the pathologic area can be accomplished just by the use of an additional working portal, typically the anterolateral one. This technical note describes a technique that involves the use of a 70° arthroscope for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.