Patellar whiskers and acute calcific quadriceps tendinitis in a general hospital population

Described is a case of acute calcific quadriceps tendinitis which presented as monoarticular arthritis. A survey of general hospital patients revealed a 7% incidence of calcification of the superior patellar tendon. The most common concurrent abnormality was degenerative joint disease (94%); concomitant chondrocalcinosis was not seen. The "patellar whisker" is a relatively common x-ray finding that may be the clue to an uncommon cause of acute arthritis.