Abstract #1699

The Role of MR Diagnosed Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy on Pain and Quality of Life in Elite Athletes

Jessica L Asay¹, Andrew M Schmidt¹, Anthony A Gatti¹, Katherine Young¹, Elka B Rubin¹, Sharmila Majumdar², Hollis G Potter³, and Garry E Gold¹

¹Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ²Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, ³Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: Tendon/Ligament, Tendon/Ligament, Knee, Tendinopathy, Joint, Patient Reported Outcomes, Sports Injury

Motivation: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common athletic overuse injury affecting either or both knees that can lead to pain and early sport retirement. However, athlete reported differences between bilateral and unilateral PT remains unknown.

Goal(s): We tested the hypothesis that athletes with MRI signs of bilateral PT have more self-reported knee problems compared to athletes with no or unilateral PT.

Approach: 53 pre-season elite college athletes were bilaterally imaged and completed knee surveys. Statistical tests were conducted to determine differences between no, unilateral, or bilateral PT.

Results: Significant differences in pain and quality of life in athletes with bilateral PT exist.

Impact: Elite athletes with bilateral patellar tendinopathy (PT) have more pain and a reduced quality of life, problems that may keep athletes from optimal sport performance. MR may help identify at-risk athletes for preventive care, potentially keeping athletes from further injury.

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