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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

During the physical exam, your doctor may apply pressure to different parts of your knee to determine exactly where you're experiencing pain. Pain associated with patellar tendinitis usually concentrates on the front part of your knee, just below your kneecap.

Imaging tests
Your doctor may also suggest one or more of the following imaging tests:

  • X-rays. X-rays don't show the patellar tendon, but they do help to exclude other bone problems that could contribute to knee pain.
  • Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create an image of your knee, revealing the location of tears in your patellar tendon.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images that are more detailed than ultrasound images. MRI can reveal more-subtle changes in the patellar tendon.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
    Related Links
  • Tendinitis

    • Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
References
  1. Hudgins TH. Jumper's knee. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1678/0.html. Accessed Dec. 27, 2011.
  2. Choi L. Knee overuse injuries. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..X0001-2--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec. 27, 2011.
  3. Rauh MA, et al. Evaluation of quadriceps and patellar tendinosis. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..X0001-2--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec. 27, 2011.
  4. Hergenroeder AC. Approach to the young athlete with chronic knee pain or injury. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 27, 2011.
  5. Khan K, et al. Overview of the management of overuse (chronic) tendinopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 27, 2011.
  6. AskMayoExpert. When are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) peripheral injections indicated for tendinopathy? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2011.
  7. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 4, 2012.
DS00625 March 7, 2012

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