Jumper’s knee in beach volleyball: an ultrasonographic survey in 54 elite italian players

Abstract

Objectives. The jumper’s knee (JK) is the most frequent overused pathology in volleyball and beach volleyball. This research aimed to identify ultrasonographic abnormalities of the patellar extensor apparatus of professional beach volleyball players who have suffered or are suffering from JK, and to compare their ultrasongraphic alteration detected with those found in asymptomatic subjects. Method. Fifty-four beach volleyball players (31 women, 23 men) were recruited during the second stage of the Italian beach volleyball championship held in July 2012 in Rome, Italy. Clinical history was obtained from all subjects, followed by physical exam. Each athlete completed a questionnaire regarding sports activities. Bilateral ultrasonographic evaluation of the patellar extensor apparatus was then performed. Results. 10 players (19%) had suffered or were suffering the JK. Among these subjects, the males were significantly more than females (p = 0.043). Among subjects who had no history of JK4 players (11.4%) showed ultrasonographic tendon degeneration changes, while among the subjects with current or previous JK, 6 players (60%) were considered to have degeneration (p = 0.003). Conclusions. Overall prevalence of beach volley players with current or previous JK was similar to that found in volleyball. Best part of subject with current or previous JK had ultrasonographic degenerative changes. Clinical ultrasonographic and training checking of the asymptomatic subjects with ultrasonographic extensor apparatus alterations may provide extra data on the natural history of the JK, which can be useful in preventing this common sport overuse injury.