Patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is a common condition in athletes, especially in athletes whose sport includes jumping. The symptoms are generally a sharp pain just below the kneecap and there is generally a tender spot to touch.

Frequently this condition can be successfully treated by non-operative methods but in cases resistant to this form of treatment, surgery is required to excise a small piece of the kneecap. This operation can be performed arthroscopically (keyhole). The success rate, however, is only about 80%.