Quadriceps Tendinopathy

In general, two groups of patients are predisposed to quadriceps tendinopathy: professional and community athletes and patients with pre-existing systemic diseases. The anatomy of the quadriceps tendon varies among the population. In most cases, an oval avascular area approximately 10 mm above the patella on the posterior leaflet is present leading to an increased risk of injury at this location. Quadriceps tendinopathy is regarded to be an overuse injury. Repetitive microtrauma damages the tendon structure, which initiates a cytokine-based inflammatory cascade. Quadriceps tendinopathy is predominantly treated non-operatively in the early stages of the disease, but it should be distinguished between micro- and macro-injuries including partial and full thickness tears. Following treatment, up to 90% of patients resume their original occupation and activities of daily living.