An early complication of the surgical management of Sinding–Larsen–Johansson disease

Jumper’s knee, or Sinding–Larsen–Johansson disease, is a common inflammatory tendinopathy of the patella tendon and inferior pole of the patella. It usually responds to conservative management. We present a case in an individual when conservative methods were unsuccessful and surgical treatment was employed. Post-operatively his recovery was complicated by a traumatic complete tear of the mid-substance of the patella tendon requiring further surgery. This case highlights the need for careful consideration of the complications of surgery in this condition, which has a variable response to non-operative treatment modalities.