Tendinopatia patelar

Abstract

The tendinopathy of the patellar tendon is a condition that often affects athletes who require the force of impact of repetitive or frequent jumps. The excessive burden on the tendon can cause changes in the extracellular matrix that chronically could lead to a tendinosis. It occurs mainly in the inferior pole of the patella. Its onset is insidious and gradual, especially after physical activity, but with the progression of the disease may become frequent or even during the activity. The diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy is eminently clinic, characterized by pain on palpation on the inferior pole of the patella and surroundings. Imaging exams help in diagnosis. The USG and MRI are most suitable because they can set the exact location of the lesion, its extension, as well as identify the presence or absence of degenerative changes. Initial treatment of tendinopathy is clinical, with relative rest, correction of etiologic facto rs, in addition to cryotherapy and physical therapy methods. In cases of no response to clinical treatment, surgical treatment is an option, where several techniques are described in the literature describing good outcomes.