Description
This web video transcript features a presentation by Michael Dan on patellar tendinopathy, a condition characterized by pain and tenderness below the kneecap. Dan, who speaks about his personal experience with the condition as an athlete, aims to challenge conventional surgical approaches to treating patellar tendinopathy. He reflects on his transition into academia with a PhD, driven by the goal of improving athletic returns to play after injury. The talk delves into research findings, including a Cochrane review highlighting the lack of benefit from surgical intervention compared to other treatment methods. Dan posits that the high failure rates of surgeries stem not from inherent issues with the procedure but rather from its application after conservative treatments have been exhausted.
He emphasizes the biomechanical aspects of patellar tendinopathy and introduces the idea of a distalizing tibial tubercle osteotomy as a potential surgical intervention for addressing altered biomechanics in specific patient subgroups. Evidence presented suggests that most current surgical practices involve debridement rather than addressing the underlying biomechanical causes. Dan shares data from studies showing minimal benefit from traditional surgical approaches, seeking to shift the conversation toward biomechanical solutions that show promise but require further investigation.
Ultimately, he advocates for an evidence-based approach to treatment, urging practitioners to document results and explore innovative interventions that could yield better outcomes for patients suffering from chronic tendinopathy.