title: Arthroscopic excision of distal pole of patella for refractory patellar tendinitis.
abstract: This article examines the results of arthroscopic tendon debridement with excision of the distal pole of the patella for refractory patellar tendinitis. Nine patients failed at least 3 months of conservative therapy and underwent arthroscopic excision of the distal patellar pole with debridement of the deep proximal patella tendon. At least 3 months postoperatively (range, 3 months-5 years), 8 patients reported no distal patellar pole tenderness (Bassett sign), and 1 patient reported only mild tenderness. Arthroscopic excision of the distal patellar pole with tendon debridement holds promise for the treatment of refractory patellar tendinitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 235 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010329:Patella / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome