Ultrasound Assessment of Anterior Knee Pain

  • Dr Phil Lucas, PRP Diagnostic Imaging, Australia
  • The spectrum of pathological processes that can present as anterior knee pain will be discussed with reference to the ultrasound findings and differential diagnosis.

    Tendinopathy of the extensor mechanism especially the patella tendon (Jumper's knee) will be discussed with reference to the use of colour Doppler and ultrasound guided treatment options. Distal quadriceps tendinopathy and tears will be shown.

    Hoffas fat pad impingement as a sign of patellar maltracking will be demonstrated.

    Other processes in Hoffa's fat pad such as Hoffa's disease and synovial proliferation such as PVNS can also occasionally be detected with ultrasound.

    Pathology of the meniscus, particularly the lateral meniscus with perimeniscal cysts may present as anterior knee pain.

    Other process such as chondral wear at the retropatellar surface can also sometimes be demonstrated.