Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

McGovern, Warren W.

Abstract

The patellar tendon is a largely avascular tendon with a low metabolic rate. Repeated strain can cause faster breakdown as opposed to healing, resulting in patellar tendinopathy. As more becomes known about the condition, it is becoming clear that new treatments need to be developed. Research has shown that cryotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections, though widely used, are dated and potentially harmful. Other current treatments include physical therapy, sclerosing and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, shock wave therapy, and surgery. However, none of these treatments has shown significant effectiveness. Due to a lack of high quality research and intrinsic limitations, it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion as to the single best treatment. Based on limited existing data, it is suspected that the best course of action is likely a combination of treatments, such as employing eccentric exercise, supplemented with PRP.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

28 p.

Identifier

FA00012603

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