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Infrapatellar Straps Decrease Patellar Tendon Strain at the Site of the Jumper's Knee Lesion: A Computational
Michael Lavagnino1, Steven P Arnoczky, Julie Dodds
1Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
Sports Health
|September 28, 2012
Summary
Patellar straps may reduce jumper's knee strain by increasing the patella-patellar tendon angle (PPTA) and decreasing tendon length. This mechanism helps prevent excessive localized tendon stress during activities like jumping.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper's knee, lacks a clear mechanistic rationale for current treatments like patellar straps.
- Computational models suggest high localized tendon strain at smaller patella-patellar tendon angles (PPTAs) may cause jumper's knee.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if infrapatellar straps decrease localized computational strain in the patellar tendon.
- To determine if this decrease is achieved by increasing the PPTA.
Main Methods:
- A controlled laboratory study involving 20 adult males.
- Radiographs were taken with and without infrapatellar straps during knee flexion.
- Computational modeling used morphologic measurements to calculate strain during simulated jump landing.
Main Results:
- Infrapatellar straps reduced predicted average and maximum localized strain in most participants.
- This reduction was associated with increased PPTA and/or decreased patellar tendon length.
- A strong correlation existed between altered PPTA/tendon length and reduced strain.
Conclusions:
- Infrapatellar straps may limit excessive patellar tendon strain by altering PPTA and tendon length.
- This mechanism differs from correcting inherent anatomical or functional abnormalities.
- Straps may help prevent localized tendon strains during jump landings.