Patellar Tendon Segmental Strain Ratios using Ultrasound Elastography Technique

The purpose of this study is to analyze the values of the stiffness of different segments (proximal, distal and medial) of patellar tendon with respect to Hoffa Fat Pad, which will postulate to the framework in understanding the area bearing more force (stress) for the patellar tendon. It can help in understanding and avoiding the patellar tendon rupture or tendinopathy. Three volunteers were selected for the current study and were classified into three arrangements (weak, normal and obese) according to their Body Mass Index. The first volunteer (A; weak) was having BMI of 16 kg/m
²
, the second volunteer (B; normal) was having BMI of 22 kg/m
²
and the third volunteer (C; obese) was having BMI of 27 kg/m
²
. All participants were reported to be non-smokers with mean BMI ± SD and mean age ± SD, 21.61 ± 5.508 Kg/m
²
and 26 ± 3 years, respectively. Patellar tendon length and strain ratios reading were performed on the dominant side of each volunteer. All the three segments (proximal, medial and distal) of patellar tendon showed presence of significant difference for most of the readings between the three volunteers, however, a significant difference in length is present for every volunteer. Our findings suggest that strain value at a particular region of a tendon are independent values irrespective of weight, body mass index and physical activity. Though, more research and further studies are required to validate the independence of strain value at a particular region of the patellar tendon.