Progressive Tendon Loading Exercises for Patellar Tendinopathy
Case vignette
A) Joint effusion with increased signal of hoffa fat pad
B) Thickened tendon with hypoechoic areas
C) Large hypoechoic area with discontinuity of fibers
D) Hypoechoic mass within the tendon

Image 1. Illustration of concentric, eccentric and isometric exercise (courtesy of wodconnect)

Image 2. Visual depiction of progressive tendon-loading exercise and eccentric exercise protocol (Breda et al)
Summary
– Read More @ Wiki Sports Medicine: https://wikism.org/Patellar_Tendonitis
Case Conclusion
Answer B. Diagnostic ultrasound of patellar tendinopathy should show a thickened but intact tendon. There may be areas of hypoechoic tissue and increased signal on collar doppler. Joint effusion and hyperechogenicity of hoffa fat pad should not be seen in patellar tendinopathy. Discontinuity of fibers and a large hypoechoic area is something you would expect with patellar tendon rupture. A hypoechoic mass can be seen with enthesophytes, gout or even potentially apophysitis of the inferior pole, none of which fit the clinical vignette.
References
- Lian, Østein B., Lars Engebretsen, and Roald Bahr. “Prevalence of jumper’s knee among elite athletes from different sports: a cross-sectional study.” The American journal of sports medicine 33.4 (2005): 561-567.
- Jonsson P, Alfredson H. Superior results with eccentric compared to concentric quadriceps training in patients with jumper’s knee: a prospective randomised study. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:847-850
- Malliaras, Peter, et al. “Patellar tendinopathy: clinical diagnosis, load management, and advice for challenging case presentations.” journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 45.11 (2015): 887-898.