Patellar tendinopathy refers to tendinopathic changes affecting the patellar tendon and can affect part of all of the tendon depending on various clinical scenarios.
Some forms can be associated with specific situations which include
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chronic insertional injury of the posterior and proximal fibres of the patellar tendon at the site of its origin at the inferior pole of the patella
some publications suggest this is synonymous with patella tendinosis although this may not be entirely correct 2
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
No specific features are demonstrated however radiographs may show calcific deposits along the course of the patella tendon and soft tissue thickening along the course of the patellar tendon.
Ultrasound
May demonstrate a thickened patellar tendon.
MRI
May demonstrate a thickened patellar tendon. Some authors suggest that the AP diameter of a normal tendon, at its proximal portion, should not exceed 7 mm 3.
Signal characteristics include 3:
T1/PD: increased signal intensity
T2: increased signal intensity
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