[Possibilities of sonography in patellar apex syndrome]

23 Patients suffering from jumper's knee were examined by sonography. Using ultrasound imaging, we demonstrated pathologic changes in the tendon. Reproducible documentation of the patella tendon was proved by using three specimens. In a control group of 110 normal objects normative values for the size and structure of the tendon were documented. We present a classification using ultrasound patterns. With this classification the diagnosis becomes objective and reproducible. The physician can decide which conservative therapy is appropriate to this state of the disease, the surgeon gets information for the operation, and the success of the therapy can be documented.