Patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an overuse injury of the tendon that straightens the knee. Symptoms include pain in the front of the knee. Typically the pain and tenderness is at the lower part of the kneecap, though the upper part may also be affected. Generally there is no pain when the person is at rest. Complications may include patellar tendon rupture.

Risk factors include being involved in athletics and being overweight. It is particularly common in athletes who are involved in jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball. Other risk factors include sex, age, occupation, and physical activity level. It is increasingly more likely to be developed with increasing age. The underlying mechanism involves small tears in the tendon connecting the kneecap with the shinbone. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination. Other conditions that can appear similar include infrapatellar bursitis, chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral syndrome.

Treatment often involves resting the knee and physical therapy. Evidence for treatments, including rest, however is poor. Recovery can take months and persist over years. It is relatively common with about 14% of athletes currently affected; however research reflects that more than half of athletes with this injury end their careers as a result. Males are more commonly affected than females. The term "jumper's knee" was coined in 1973.