Neovascularity in patellar tendinopathy and the response to eccentric training: Acase report using Power Doppler ultrasound

Karen M. McCreesh, Sara J. Riley, James M. Crotty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This report describes the case of an amateur soccer player with chronic patellar tendinopathy who underwent ultrasound imaging before and after engaging in an 8-week programme of eccentric exercise. On initial assessment, greyscale ultrasound imaging demonstrated tendon thickening and reduced echogenicity, while Power Doppler imaging demonstrated a large amount of neovascularity. After 8 weeks of an eccentric loading programme, the patient reported significantly improved symptoms and functional scores, while follow-up imaging demonstrated improvement in the echo appearance of the tendon and complete resolution of the neovascularity. The association between neovascularity and symptoms in tendinopathy research is conflicting, with a paucity of research in the area of patellar tendinopathy. While further research is needed to clarify the significance of greyscale and Power Doppler ultrasound changes in relation to symptoms in patellar tendinopathy, ultrasound imaging was shown to be a useful adjunct to diagnosis and outcome assessment in this case.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)602-605
Number of pages4
JournalManual Therapy
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Neovascularity
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Power Doppler
  • Ultrasound

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