Arthroscopic Treatment of Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy "Jumper's Knee”

Abstract

Background: Jumper’s knee, patellar tendinopa­thy, is a clinical term used to de­scribe patellar tendon pain, swelling, and/or dysfunction resulting from acute injury or, more commonly, chronic over­use. This condition is prevalent among athletes. In patients with patellar tendinopathy in whom non-operative management is unsuccessful; surgery is an option to return to high levels of physical activity. Aim: This work aimed to evaluate the results of arthroscopic management of cases with chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee). Methods: This is a prospective study that was done at Kafr El-Sheikh and Benha university hospital. 28 patients involved in sports activities with chronic patellar tendinitis aged 18-3o years with the mean age of 23.25 years were considered to have arthroscopic treatment to refractory chronic patellar tendinopathy after at least 3 months of conservation. All patients in the study underwent arthroscopic debridement of the Hoffa’s bad fat, debridement of abnormal patellar tendon, with or without excision of the lower pole of the patella. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation was undertaken using the VAS score, Lysholm Scores and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patella (VISA-P) scores for all patients. No patients were lost to follow-up. Results: The VAS, Lysholm, and VISA-P scores all significantly improved at last follow-up. There were no postoperative complications. 27 patients of 28 were able to perform at their preinjury sports activities. One case was not able to return to preinjury sports activity. Conclusion: arthroscopic surgery for patients with patellar tendinopathy, refractory to non-operative management, appears to provide significant improvements in symptoms and function.