Some people call the connective tissue connecting the distal patella to the tibial tuberosity the patellar ligament, as part of this structure is the direct connection of the distal patella and the tibial tuberosity. However, some people call the connective tissue connecting the distal patella to the tibial tuberosity the quadriceps tendon, as part of this structure is the continuous connection from the quadriceps muscles to the tibial tuberosity. the recommendation is to name the distal band connecting the patella to the tibial tuberosity the patellar ligament to distinguish it from the quadriceps tendon proximal to the patella.

Guide the patient to sit. With the patient relaxed and with permission, place your fingers on the patellar ligament just distal to the patella. Guide the patient to extend the knee, which tenses the patellar ligament. With unclear muscle activity, increase the contraction of the quadriceps femoris and therefore the patellar ligament by asking the patient to straighten the knee while you provide a push on the leg (i.e. body segment between the knee and the foot) in the direction of knee flexion.