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ULTRASOUND SCREENING FOR PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY IN COLLEGE ATHLETES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy is a chronic overuse injury associated with repetitive overloading and microtrauma. Due to these inherent risk factors, collegiate athletes are at increased risk for developing symptomatic patellar tendinopathy or “jumper’s knee.” This study addresses gaps in previous research by directly comparing women’s soccer and volleyball players at the collegiate level. The purpose of the study is to assess the utility of point-of-care ultrasound as a screening modality for the development of symptomatic patellar tendinopathy in athletes. This study further adds to the literature by examining multiple secondary factors that could contribute to patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: Approximately 40 total participants were recruited from a collegiate female soccer and volleyball team. The participants were females ranging from age eighteen to twenty-two. All participants completed an initial questionnaire (pre-season), along with a follow-up questionnaire (post-season). Each participant will undergo ultrasound imaging using the Clarius Portable Ultrasound Machine at three different intervals (pre, mid, and postseason). The Clarius Portable Ultrasound Machine is a wireless device that provides high-definition images up to 7 cm. This device is recommended for imaging of superficial structures such as vessels, nerves, and musculoskeletal tissue. The subjects had both their left and right patellar tendons scanned by the primary investigator or an assistant under direct supervision. During sonographic evaluation, participants were placed in the supine position, with the knee flexed to thirty degrees. The transducer was placed in the longitudinal position over the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon thickness was measured fifteen millimeters below the inferior patella. Results will be analyzed to determine the utility of point-of-care ultrasound and any relationship with secondary factors. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is theorized that point-of-care ultrasound is a practical screening modality for monitoring the development of symptomatic patellar tendinopathy. It is also hypothesized that there will be associations between patellar health and a myriad of secondary factors such as position on team, specialization, prior injuries, etc.

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