Abstract
BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy identified by imaging modalities has been reported in asymptomatic athletes and associated with tendon-related symptoms. However there is little data in community-based populations. The aim of this cohort study was to examine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined patellar tendinopathy, the factors associated with this condition, and whether it was associated with knee pain in community-based middle-aged women.MethodsOne hundred seventy six women, aged 40–67 years, with no significant knee pain or injury underwent knee MRI. Patellar tendinopathy was defined on both T1- and T2-weighted fat-saturated MRIs. The cross-sectional area of vastus medialis was measured from MRI. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI). Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire. Knee pain was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index.ResultsThe prevalence of MRI defined patellar tendinopathy was 30.1 %. Higher levels of physical activity (odds ratio 1.65, 95 % CI 1.09–2.51) and greater vastus medialis cross-sectional area (odds ratio 1.22, 95 % CI 1.04–1.43) were associated with increased prevalence of patellar tendinopathy, independent of age and BMI. The persistence of patellar tendinopathy was associated with the worsening of knee pain over 2 years (odds ratio 10.65, 95 % CI 1.14–99.77).ConclusionIn community-based middle-aged women MRI-diagnosed patellar tendinopathy is common, with higher levels of physical activity and greater vastus medialis size being risk factors suggesting a biomechanical effect. Persistent patellar tendinopathy is associated with worsening of knee pain. These findings suggest that further work is needed to determine the contribution of patellar tendinopathy on knee pain and function in older people.
Highlights
Patellar tendinopathy identified by imaging modalities has been reported in asymptomatic athletes and associated with tendon-related symptoms
There were no significant differences in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), vastus medialis cross-sectional area, physical activity, and WOMAC pain score between those with and without patellar tendinopathy
Our study has shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined patellar tendinopathy is common in community-based middle-aged women
Summary
Patellar tendinopathy identified by imaging modalities has been reported in asymptomatic athletes and associated with tendon-related symptoms. There is little data in community-based populations The aim of this cohort study was to examine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined patellar tendinopathy, the factors associated with this condition, and whether it was associated with knee pain in community-based middle-aged women. Patellar tendinopathy is a clinical condition characterised by activity-related anterior knee pain [2, 3]. It is commonly known as ‘jumper’s knee’ as it is traditionally recognised in athletes who are involved in sports that require jumping [3, 4]. Not all individuals with evidence of patellar tendinopathy on imaging have symptoms [5, 11], there is evidence that abnormalities identified by imaging modality within the asymptomatic tendon predict the development of tendon-related symptoms and disability [12, 13]
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