What Is Patella Tendonitis & Patella Tendon Tears?
The patellar tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects the kneecap (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia) and works with your quadriceps muscles in the front of your thigh to straighten your leg.
The patellar tendon can be injured in several ways but, in most cases, the tear occurs at the point where the tendon attaches to the kneecap.
A direct impact or fall on the front of the knee is a common cause of tears. It may also tear during landing from a jump when the knee is bent and the foot is planted.
Inflammation of the patellar tendon due to overuse or repetitive strain, called patellar tendonitis, weakens the tendon, resulting in small micro tears.
This is commonly referred to as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee. If this condition goes untreated it can result in a patellar tendon tear.