Information about project titled 'Ultrasound-guided sclerosis of neovessels in painful chronic patellar tendinopathy – a prospective study'
Ultrasound-guided sclerosis of neovessels in painful chronic patellar tendinopathy – a prospective study
| Details about the project - category | Details about the project - value |
|---|---|
| Project status: | Published |
| Project manager: | Aasne Hoksrud |
| Supervisor(s): | Roald Bahr |
| Coworker(s): | Lars Öhberg, Håkan Alfredson, Thomas Torgalsen, Thor Einar Andersen |
Description
A randomized controlled study with sclerosing the vessels in patients with the diagnosis of Jumper’s knee has shown promising results, and by this prospective study we want to improve knowledge of the treatment options for patellar tendinopathy. Specifically, this study will investigate if sclerosing the neovessels would affect the level of patellar tendon pain and knee function in a large group of patients with patellar tendinopathy.
Jumper's knee affects athletes in many sports, and elite jumping athletes appear to be the most susceptible. The high prevalence, long duration of symptoms and low function scores suggest that in some sports, patellar tendinopathy may cause at least as much impairment for athletic performance as acute knee injuries.
Based on studies on Achilles tendinopathy and patellar tendinopathy, our hypothesis is that the vessels, and possibly also the nerves accompanying the vessels, are involved in the pain mechanism in chronic painful Achilles- and patellar tendinosis. A randomized controlled study showed promising results of sclerosing treatment on patients with patellar tendinopathy.
This prospective study will recruit patients with jumper’s knee from the clinics cooperating in this project. Patients with patellar tendinopathy and neovascularisation will receive up to a maximum of five ultrasound-guided injections at 6-8-week intervals. The treatment stops when they are symptom free or if they still have symptoms after five injections. Both knees will be given the same treatment if the patient has bilateral symptoms. Pain and function will be recorded before the treatment, after 6, 12 and 24 months after the first injection.