Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment Techniques of Patellar Tendinitis

Abstract

Patellar tendinitis is one of the most common complications of patellar fracture in the adolescent population. This study specifically focuses on patellar fracture to introduce the causes and risks, examination, and treatment techniques of patellar tendinitis. Results show that the physical activity and overuse are the primary exopathic factors of patellar tendinitis, and tight thigh muscles, imbalanced muscles, overweight, patella alta, and the lower extremity skeletal alignment problems are the endopathic factors of patellar tendinitis. The examination includes both self-examination and medical examination. When the diagnosis is conducted, differentiating patellar tendinitis from other similar diseases is needed. The common treatments include conservative treatment and medical therapy. The conservative treatment is convenient and highly cost-effective, however, it usually needs a longer treatment period without significant effectiveness. Medical therapy is the last and most effective form of treatment, which includes wire loop fastening internal fixation, tension band fixation, Nickel-titanium patellar fixator, patellar plate fixation, partial patellar resection, and reconstruction of the patellar ligament. These five medical methods have their own characteristics. The wire loop fastening internal fixation is only used as a basis for joint fixation. The tension band fixation has a low rate of fixation failure while has a high loosening rate. Nickel-titanium patellar fixator can promote the early recovery of motor function. Patellar plate fixation is stable and reliable as well as has a low failure rate. Partial patellar resection and reconstruction of the patellar ligament can reduce knee degeneration, but it may result in postoperative knee t-pain and long-term traumatic patellar arthritis.