Tendon tear below patella- MRI Results

I am in my early 30's and hope to have a long active life.  I had a long time pain in my left knee and finally went to get an MRI after a few years.  The pain I experience in my knee flares up a lot when I play basketball or do heavy weight training. These are my MRI results for my left knee.


My Orthopedic doctor tells me I have a tear at the middle of the tendon below my knee cap.  This corresponds with the pain.  You can see it in the images below the knee cap as a white area on the black tendon.  This doctor whom I trust, says this type of injury will not heal by itself and  recommends I do surgery to repair the tear.  As a non surgical method he also gave the alternative to do Platelet Rich Plasma injecting blood into the area to promote healing.  He claims there is little evidence that this PRP treatment works and still recommends surgery.  

Does anyone have experience with this kind of injury?  How effective is the surgery?  What realistic expectations do I have for a full recovery?  Any doctor or knee patients input would be a great help.  Thanks!!



This discussion is related to Severe Ankle Problems.