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Evaluation of Stem Cell Therapies in a Bilateral Patellar Tendon Injury Model in Rats
Published on: March 30, 2018
Arthroscopic patellar release allows timely return to performance in professional and amateur athletes with chronic
Jan M Pestka1, Gernot Lang2, Dirk Maier2
1Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. jan.pestka@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
Purpose:
Return to sports rates in amateur and professional athletes with chronic patellar tendinopathy following arthroscopic patellar release are unpredictable. The present study aims to analyse the effectiveness of arthroscopic patellar release in professional compared to amateur athletes.
Methods:
A total of 34 amateur and 20 professional athletes with chronic patellar tendinopathy, refractory to conservative treatment, were studied prospectively and underwent arthroscopic tendon release at the inferior patellar pole. Impact of grouped sports on clinical and functional outcome, subjective patient satisfaction and return to sports rates were assessed. Additionally, preoperative MRI-scans of the knee were evaluated and correlated with clinical outcome.
Results:
In 40 patients (74.1%) arthroscopic patellar release resulted in complete recovery and return to preinjury exercise levels. Full return to sports was achieved after a median of 3.0 (range 0.5-12.0) months. Functional outcome measures VISA-P (Victorian Institute of sport assessment for patella) and modified Blazina scores improved significantly from pre- to postoperatively (VISA-P: 48.8 vs. 94.0 pts., respectively, p < 0.0001; Blazina: 4.47 vs. 0.5, respectively, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
As rapid recovery and timely return to sports are crucial for professional athletes, arthroscopic patellar release should be considered after failed conservative treatment.
Level Of Evidence:
IV.
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