Surgical intervention and rehabilitation of chronic patellar tendinitis.
Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects many basketball players. The key to successful management of patellar tendinitis is prevention and early intervention. In a small percentage of the athletic population, conservative management does not yield satisfactory results and surgery is necessary. Rehabilitation following surgery should consist of several stages, including: 1) range of motion, 2) strengthening, 3) flexibility, 4) sports-specific exercises, 5) cardiovascular conditioning, and 6) gradual return to play. Although there are many documented rehabilitation guidelines for conservative management of tendinitis, there are few for the surgical management of patellar tendinitis without complete rupture. More research is needed regarding postsurgical management.
Jim Bazluki is Assistant Athletic Trainer at Sports Medicine Division, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 28734.
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