Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is probably a traction induced inflammation of the patellar tendon and adjacent cartilage of the tibial tubercle growth plate.
It is characterized by pain over the tibial tubercle in a growing child.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by aseptic inflammation triggered by repetitive stress due to traction exerted by the patellar tendon on the immature and cartilaginous apophysis of the tibial tubercle.
It is caused by activities like jumping, running…
Usually manifests in adolescence and more common in boys.
Pain directly over the tibial tubercle is the usual complaint, and swelling over the tubercle is often a concern.
Pain is aggravated by activities.
On examination, point tenderness directly over the tibial tubercle and distal portion of the patellar tendon
Plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the knee are diagnostic.
Treatment of Osgood-Schlatter Disease should be conservative and expectant.
Reassurance is important along with activity limitation or as tolerated.
NSAIDs may be helpful and a knee immobilizer may be used for few weeks in severe cases.
The disorder is self-limiting in most children and resolves with skeletal maturity.
Occasionally symptoms will persist after skeletal maturity.