Don’t Call It a Tear: How to Recognize Anisotropy on Quadriceps Tendon POCUS

A 38-year-old man has anterior knee pain after stumbling off a curb. Point-of-care ultrasound shows a focal hypoechoic area in the distal quadriceps tendon that looks like a partial tear, but the extensor mechanism is intact and the fibers are still continuous.

Learn how to tell anisotropy artifact from true tendon pathology at the bedside, why the quadriceps tendon is so prone to it, and how a quick heel-toe rock or fan of the probe can help you avoid an unnecessary MRI or referral.