Osgood-Schlatter Disease

OVERVIEW

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition characterized by a apophysitis of the tibial tuberosisity. This is the inflammation of the apophysis (area of growth cartilage where muscle tendons attach).

Source
Source
WHAT CAUSES IT?

Typically this condition is caused by repetitive stress exerted on the tibial tuberosity. This can be caused by repetitive usage of the lower limbs during activities such as sports.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Male sex, ages 11-18 (period of rapid skeletal growth), involvement in jumping sports

Initial Presentation:

  • Knee pain

Musculoskeletal Exam:

  • Tibial tuberosity swelling
  • Absence of effusion 
  • Absence of condylar tenderness
  • Pain occurs when extending knee against resistance 
CLINICAL WORKUP

X-Ray Imaging of the knee: while the diagnosis of this condition is primarily clinical, an X-ray of the knee may show fragmentation of the tibial tubercle.

Fragmentation of the tibial tubercle seen on a lateral knee X-ray in a patient with Osgood-Schlatter disease (source)
Fragmentation of the tibial tubercle seen on a lateral knee X-ray in a patient with Osgood-Schlatter disease (source)
TREATMENT

Rest 

Restriction of actives as tolerated by patient

 

 

Page Updated: 12.09.2016