Patellar Tendinopathy Surgery (Jumper's Knee)

⚙️What This Procedure Involves

The procedure may be performed arthroscopically or through a small open incision. The degenerate portion of the proximal patellar tendon (typically the deep posterior fibres at the inferior pole of the patella) is identified and excised. The inferior pole of the patella may be shaved (patellar pole resection) to remove impinging bone. Open repair: the tendon sheath is opened, degenerate tissue excised, and the remaining tendon repaired. The operation takes 30–60 minutes.

💡Why It May Be Recommended

Surgery is considered after failure of at least six to twelve months of dedicated non-operative treatment — heavy slow resistance (HSR) exercises, eccentric loading programme, activity modification, and potentially shockwave therapy or PRP injection.

⚖️Non-Operative Alternatives

Heavy slow resistance (HSR) or eccentric decline squat programmes (the cornerstone of treatment), isometric loading for pain relief, activity modification, shockwave therapy, PRP injection, and GTN patches. Non-operative treatment is successful in the majority.

📋Preparing for Surgery

Ultrasound or MRI confirming tendinopathy with structural change. Documentation of failed non-operative treatment. Day-case procedure.

✅Expected Benefits

Pain relief and return to sport in approximately 70–80% of patients. Recovery is gradual — return to full sport takes four to six months.

⚠️Common Risks

• Prolonged rehabilitationExpected

  Four to six months to return to full sport.

• Anterior knee painCommon

  Residual anterior knee discomfort.

• Residual symptomsUncommon

  Not all patients achieve complete relief.

🔴Less Common but Serious Risks

• Tendon ruptureRare

  Weakening of the tendon from debridement.

• InfectionRare

  Wound infection.

• Patellar fractureRare

  From excessive bone resection at the inferior pole.

• RecurrenceUncommon

  Tendinopathy may recur with return to loading.

💉Anaesthetic Considerations

General, spinal, or local anaesthesia.

🏃Recovery and Rehabilitation

Weight-bearing immediately. Isometric quadriceps exercises from week one. Progressive loading programme supervised by physiotherapy. Jogging at two to three months. Impact sport at four to six months. Full recovery six months.

📅Follow-Up

Review at two weeks and six weeks. Physiotherapy throughout.

❓Frequently Asked Questions