Tips for scanning the quadriceps tendon in a transverse orientation

Injuries are common to the quadriceps tendon, with tears, either partial or complete, being the most common. Symptoms of a quadriceps tendon rupture are pain and the inability to extend the knee against resistance. A gap can often be palpated at the tendon’s normal location.

Here are 3 pro steps we follow to scan the quadriceps tendon (transverse scan)

1. Place the patient in a supine position with the knee semi-extended (use a towel or cushion underneath the joint).
2. Position the transducer transverse, immediately superior to the patella.
3. Identify the entire width of the quadriceps tendon, the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the medial side of the quadriceps tendon, and the vastus lateralis muscle on the lateral side of the quadriceps tendon.

Sonoanatomy

Reverse Ultrasound Anatomy

Comparison of sonoanatomy and reverse ultrasound anatomy of the quadriceps tendon (transverse scan).

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