Overview
The goal of this observational study is to understand how diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) relates to other traditional measures and knee function. The main question it aims to answer
- is
Will regions of known patellar tendon pathology present with smaller DTI scalar parameters, shorter fiber length, and lower fiber density compared to the contralateral tendon and healthy regions in the ipsilateral tendon.
Participants will:
- undergo MRI and ultrasound imaging
- perform knee function test
- complete questionnaires
Description
Patellar tendon injuries are commonly accompanied by macrostructural alterations captured on common imaging modalities, and the extent of these alterations correlate to knee joint function. Evidence for using tendon macrostructure for diagnosis and prognosis of tendon injuries is not as clear, suggesting that these imaging modalities are not providing a complete picture of the alterations. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography can quantify tendon microstructures that underlie the alterations in pathological tendons and shows promising results in healthy tendons. This study is the first step in evaluating whether tendon microstructure captured using DTI technology can be applied as a biomarker to optimize treatment for patellar tendon injuries.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 or older
- Have patellar tendon injury as confirmed through subjective report, clinical examination, and ultrasound by an experienced physical therapist
- Patellar tendinopathy group must present with current symptoms of patellar tendinopathy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants with a history of invasive procedures other than bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft harvest to the patellar tendon or extensor mechanism
- Participants with bilateral patellar tendinopathy, history of contralateral BPTB autograft harvest, or ACLR using any other graft type
- Participants with contraindications to MRI