Overview
what it is and why it mattersQuadriceps tendinopathy is pain and degeneration at the quadriceps tendon — the conjoined tendon of the four quadriceps muscles attaching to the superior pole of the patella. Less common than patellar tendinopathy, it tends to affect older athletes and recreational exercisers. Risk factors include obesity, metabolic disorders (diabetes, gout), and fluoroquinolone antibiotic use.
Diagnosis
exam first, imaging secondSuperior patellar pole tenderness reproduced by pressing at the top of the kneecap. Resisted knee extension reproduces pain. Ultrasound and MRI show intratendinous signal change and thickening at the quadriceps tendon insertion.
Treatment Path
how care progresses at OSI1
Load management
Same principles as patellar tendinopathy — progressive loading with careful monitoring.
2
Heavy slow resistance training
Eccentric and isometric exercises are the foundation of tendinopathy rehabilitation.
3
PRP injection
Guided injection into degenerated tendon tissue.
ESWT
Non-invasive option for refractory cases.
Surgical Options at OSI
if non-operative care isn't enoughRefractory cases after a prolonged trial of structured rehabilitation and biologic treatments.
Providers Who Treat Quadriceps Tendinopathy
sports-medicine team
Further Reading
authoritative sourcesExternal patient-education references and related OSI pages for additional background: