Which of the following conditions is characterized by a tear of the patellar tendon?

• A. Jumper's knee
• B. Patellar tendonitis
• C. Osgood Schlatter disease
• D. Sever's disease

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is defined as a tear of the patellar tendon, which is most commonly associated with jumper's knee. Jumper's knee, or patellar tendinopathy, occurs frequently in athletes involved in jumping sports, where repetitive jumping can lead to microtrauma, inflammation, and, in severe cases, a tear of the tendon.

Patellar tendonitis primarily describes inflammation of the patellar tendon due to overuse, rather than an actual tear. While it can progress to more severe conditions, it doesn’t specifically refer to an acute or complete tear.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition seen in growing adolescents, characterized by pain and swelling at the tibial tuberosity, occurring due to traction apophysitis rather than a tear of the patellar tendon itself. Similarly, Sever's disease relates to heel pain in children caused by inflammation of the heel’s growth plate rather than any issue concerning the patellar tendon.

In summary, jumper's knee encapsulates the condition where a tear in the patellar tendon can occur, particularly under high stress and repetitive loading conditions, making it the most appropriate term when discussing a tear of the patellar tendon.