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Ultrasonography in the detection of partial patellar ligament ruptures (jumper's knee)

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Abstract

The diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) in the detection of partial ruptures in the proximal part of the patellar ligament (jumper's knee) was studied. A total of 81 athletes with chronic localized pain suggestive of jumper's knee underwent US examination, and 25 of these received surgical treatment. Of 25 proven partial tendon ruptures at surgery, US correctly indicated the diagnosis in all cases. A cone-shaped, poorly echogenic area exceeding 0.5 cm in length in the center of the patellar tendon in combination with its localized thickening proved to be a reliable indicator of jumper's knee. One case was a true-negative. No false-negative or false-positive case was observed. Soft-tissue radiography in 14 cases showed a localized swelling but did not detect intratendinous soft-tissue abnormalities. US is the method of choice for the evaluation of jumper's knee, as it is cheap, non-invasive, repeatable, and accurate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, East Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Peter Kälebo M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, East Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Leif Swärd M.D., Ph.D. & Jon Karlsson M.D., Ph.D.

  3. Biomaterials Group, Department of Handicap Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Peter Kälebo M.D., Ph.D.

  4. Gothenburg Medical Center, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Lars Peterson M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Peter Kälebo M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Leif Swärd M.D., Ph.D.
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  3. Jon Karlsson M.D., Ph.D.
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  4. Lars Peterson M.D., Ph.D.
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Kälebo, P., Swärd, L., Karlsson, J. et al. Ultrasonography in the detection of partial patellar ligament ruptures (jumper's knee). Skeletal Radiol. 20, 285–289 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02341668

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