Abstract
BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common condition characterised by persistent patellar tendon pain and dysfunction, particularly in athletes. Neovascularisation is frequently observed in the PT and is associated with increased pain. Ultrasound-guided electrocoagulation of neovascularisation has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative treatment for recalcitrant PT.Hypothesis/purposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided electrocoagulation of neovascularisation in athletes with persistent PT.Study designCase series; level of evidence, IV.MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on 25 athletes who underwent ultrasound-guided electrocoagulation of neovascularisation for recalcitrant PT. Clinical outcomes including complications, reinterventions and patient-reported outcome measures were recorded. Comparisons between variables were assessed using χ2test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables.Results25 patients were included in the final analysis. 96% returned to their preoperative activity level at a mean of 3.8 months. At a mean follow-up of 5 years 4% did not receive significant benefit from electrocoagulation therapy. Significant improvements were observed in outcome measures, including the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Questionnaire for Patients with Patellar Tendinopathy, Kujala score, modified Blazina score and Visual Analogue Scale for pain.ConclusionUltrasound-guided electrocoagulation of neovascularisation for persistent PT in elite athletes resulted in a low complication rate, a high rate and rapid return to sport and a significant improvement in outcome measures.