THE PREVALENCE OF PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY IN ELITE ACADEMY RUGBY; A CLINICAL AND IMAGING STUDY WITH 12 MONTH FOLLOW UP

摘要: Background Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a challenging condition with variable outcomes. Injuries that are traditionally associated training volume such as tendinopathies less frequently reported in rugby but likely to increase result of more intensive regimens. Objective To evaluate the prevalence PT elite academy rugby. Design Cross sectional, observational study 12 month follow-up. Setting Elite/international division Participants All members academies provinces (Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht) Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) were invited ( N= 87) 83 players participated study. Mean age was 20.4 years (1.48), mean 11.9 (2.8) experience. Risk factor assessment Anthropometrics, body mass, fat % measured by bio-impedance. Clinical examination investigated symptoms. Ultrasound established tendon thickness, echogenicity homogeneity including focal areas both transverse longitudinal planes. Statistical analysis performed using PASW 18 CIA software. Main outcome measurements The Cincinnati Sports Activity Scale, activity levels. VISA-P scale evaluated Ultrasounds reviewed graded two musculoskeletal radiologists. Results 30 participants (36.1%) had US abnormalities 38 abnormal tendons. microcalculi (44.7%) (N=17), thickened tendons +/- large cystic degenerative change (26.3%) macrocalculi or hypoechoic (28.9%) (N=11). Eleven (13.3%) fulfilled clinical diagnosis based on examination. Combining exam, 9.6% (N=8). There statistically significant difference between patellar upon findings (P=.027) combination (P=.044) different academies. Twelve-month follow up data will be reported. Conclusions relatively common injury practices may contribute its development.