DIAGNOSIS
Clinical examination is carried out after through history taking. Tenderness can be usually elicited with palpation of the quadriceps tendon insertion. The knee is examined for range of movement, detecting laxity and structural integrity in various planes. The clinician should rule out intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the knee eg. sudden changes in training habits. Alignment of the knee, foot and ankle is checked. In case of a ruptured quadriceps tendon, a gap might be palpated at the insertion site. Weakness in the extensor mechanism might be indicative of insufficiency of the quadriceps. An X-ray of the knee can show fractures or the presence of calcium deposits in the quadriceps muscle but these do not pick up soft tissue injuries. High definition
Ultrasound and MRI are the preferred investigations in diagnosing tears, tendonitis and tendinitis. Ultrasound can be further helpful in guiding Regenerative treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma and Prolotherapy.