Patellar Retinacula

Fig. 14.28). Somewhat similar to the situation with the supraspinatus tendon, the examiner should be aware that the actual site of insertion is indicated by the prominence of the tuberosity and not by the anterior aspect of the tibial epiphysis. Short-axis US images of the patellar tendon are essential because the involvement by tendinopathy may occur out of the midline and possibly limited to the external borders of the tendon (Fig. 14.30). These planes depict a flattened tendon, shaped like a rectangle. In addition, they allow assessment of the medial and lateral patellar retinacula as sheet-like fibrous expansions attached on each side of the tendon (Fig. 14.30). Calcifications and ossification of the distal portion of the tendon can be encountered in asymptomatic subjects and are usually related to consequences of Osgood-Schlatter disease. 

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