Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of patellar tendon lesions.

Purpose: To examine the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of soft tissue lesions in and around the patellar tendon. Material and Methods: We analysed the sonograms of 87 patients with knee pain and patellar tendon lesions after clinical observation. We used a 7.5 MHz linear scanner. In cases of bone lesions, a roentgenologic examination was performed. Results: The visualisation of pathologic findings of the patellar tendon such as focal or generalised thickenings, calcifications as well as partial or total ruptures is possible with ultrasound. We could classify six different sonopathologic stages of the jumper's knee syndrome. In addition patellar bursitis and aseptic necrosis of the patella and tibial tuberosity can be identified. Conclusions: Ultrasound examination is a noninvasive, time sparing and economical diagnostic tool to evaluate chronic patellar tendinitis, to plan therapy and to objectively assess the results of treatment.