Injection therapies for patellar tendinopathy

Phys Sportsmed. 2020 May;48(2):125-130. doi: 10.1080/00913847.2019.1671143. Epub 2019 Sep 25.

Abstract

Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper's knee is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by progressive activity-related pain on the anterior aspect of the knee and tenderness on the patellar tendon. A conservative method is often the first choice of treatment, which can include anti-inflammatory medication, injection therapies, physiotherapy, eccentric exercises, extra corporeal shock wave therapy, orthosis, etc. Although there are several treatment options available, the management of patellar tendinopathy is still controversial. The literature reveals many different injection methods are being used by clinicians for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Platelet rich plasma, corticosteroids, autologous blood, and aprotinin are the most commonly used injection treatments. Injection therapies give promising results in the management of Patellar tendinopathy. However, due to low quality research and variation in the protocol and population it is difficult to provide a firm conclusion on its effectiveness. More high-quality clinical studies are recommended to determine the effectiveness of injections and at which stage of Patellar tendinopathy they are the most effective. This review can provide insight to clinicians involved in the management of this condition.

Keywords: Jumper’s knee; continuum model; eccentric exercises; musculoskeletal disorder; patellar tendon.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Aprotinin / therapeutic use
  • Blood
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Patellar Ligament*
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Prolotherapy
  • Sclerosing Solutions / therapeutic use
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Tendinopathy / therapy*
  • Viscosupplements / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Sclerosing Solutions
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Viscosupplements
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Aprotinin