Don’t forget the jumper’s knee in the young sportsman: evaluation of patellar tendinopathy with a high frequency ultrasound probe
B. Ruaro,
M. Cutolo,
E. Alessandri,
F. Zaottini,
R. Picasso,
F. Pistoia,
G. Ferrari,
C. Martinoli
Affiliations
B. Ruaro
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova, Italy; Cardinal Ferrari Centre, S. Stefano Rehabilitation, Fontanellato (PR)
M. Cutolo
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
E. Alessandri
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
F. Zaottini
Division of Radiology, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
R. Picasso
Division of Radiology, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
F. Pistoia
Division of Radiology, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
G. Ferrari
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
C. Martinoli
Division of Radiology, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, University of Genova
Patellar tendinopathy, or Jumper’s knee, is a painful knee condition caused by inflammation of the patella tendon. This condition is most frequently observed in subjects who play sports that require repetitive regular jumping. Jumper’s knee is frequently misdiagnosed as a minor injury and many athletes, like our patient, keep on training and competing and either tend to ignore the injury or attempt to treat it themselves. However, jumper’s knee is a serious condition that requires a correct and timely diagnosis, which often necessitates ultrasound investigation in order to start the most appropriate treatment.
