Most patients with patellar tendinopathy can be treated effectively with non-surgical treatments (e.g., 4-stage loading program).

Surgical treatment may be appropriate for patients whose symptoms persist after 3 months of non-surgical treatment.

A systematic review of surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy included 39 studies and found 70.4% of professional athletes and 89.2% of amateur athletes who have patellar tendon surgery return to the same level of sport post-surgery.

Current evidence suggests the rate of return to sport at the same level of sport is similar with arthroscopic surgery (77.3%) compared to open surgery (75.0%).

Patients with Patellar Tendinopathy that has not improved with non-surgical treatment should be assessed by a Physiotherapist experienced in the management of Patellar Tendinopathy prior to considering surgical treatment. 

Brent Sahota (Physiotherapist and Ph.D. student) is experienced in the management of patellar tendinopathy and is leading an international consensus statement on criteria to clear patients to return to sport from patellar tendinopathy. Brent can advise patients who do not improve with non-surgical treatment on their treatment options, including surgery.