American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Patellar tendonitis is commonly referred to as which of the following?

1. Runner's knee

2. Housemaid's knee

3. Kicker's knee

4. Swimmer's knee

The correct answer is: Kicker's knee

Patellar tendonitis, often referred to as "jumper's knee," is specifically associated with activities that involve repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, particularly those involving jumping, kicking, or running. The term "kicker's knee" accurately reflects the typical demographic at risk for developing this condition, primarily athletes who frequently kick or jump. The alternative terms are associated with different conditions: "runner's knee" generally refers to patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is not the same as patellar tendonitis. "Housemaid's knee" pertains to prepatellar bursitis, typically linked to kneeling activities, while "swimmer's knee" is not a recognized term commonly associated with patellar tendonitis. Understanding these terms and their applications clarifies why "kicker's knee" is the appropriate choice for patellar tendonitis.