Evaluation of the patellar tendon in transtibial amputees: a preliminary sonographic study.

This study aimed to provide sonographic imaging of the patellar tendon (PT) - one of the main weight bearing structures for prosthetic use - in transtibial amputees. Thirteen males, who had been under follow-up for unilateral traumatic transtibial amputations, were enrolled. After physical examination of the limb, pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs. Sonographic evaluations were performed by using a linear array probe (Aloka UST-5524-7.5 MHz) on both sides. Measurements pertaining to the contralateral limbs were taken as controls. In three subjects (23.1%), two with a silicone liner and one with a pelite liner, cortical irregularities were detected at the tibial insertion of the PT on the amputated sides. PTs were found to be thicker on the amputated sides when compared with those of the contralateral sides (p = 0.03), and this increase in thickness correlated with disease duration (r = 0.67, p = 0.01). Overall, our preliminary results imply that after transtibial amputation, PTs of the amputated sides tend to become thicker by time. These findings need to be complemented with future studies. In this regard, sonography seems to be promising for imaging the soft tissue problems of the stump.