Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon; characterised by collagen degeneration with prolific neovascularisation and an absence of inflammatory cell infiltration. Elite athletes in jumping sports are the most frequently affected.
Degenerative conditions are associated with older athletes, and until recently it was not thought that PT was prevalent within the adolescent population. A 2011 review examined the risk factors for PT within the adult athletic population. To date, no review has focused exclusively on adolescent athletes, despite a number of recent studies recognising the susceptibility of younger athletes to overuse injuries.
