Imaging of Tendons of the Knee: Much More than just the Extensor Mechanism

The tendons of the knee play a critical role in the motion and stability of the knee. Knee pain, a common clinical complaint, can frequently be attributed to pathology of these structures. While the cornerstones of the radiological evaluation of the knee are radiography and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound can also play an important diagnostic role and can be useful for guided interventional procedures. Understanding the utility of each modality in the assessment for tendon pathology and a familiarity with the normal and abnormal imaging appearance of these structures are crucial for accurate diagnosis.