osgoodschlatter

Osgood-Schlatter disease, also known as tibial tubercle apophysitis, is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It occurs when the patellar tendon exerts repetitive traction on the tibial tubercle, a growth area at the top of the shinbone, leading to inflammation and tenderness.

Most often, it appears during a growth spurt, typically between ages 10 and 14 for girls and 12 to 14 for boys, and is more common in physically active youths who participate in running and jumping sports. The condition can be bilateral, presenting pain and swelling on the front of the knee just below the patella (kneecap).

Symptoms include anterior knee pain that worsens with running, jumping, kneeling, or climbing stairs, and tenderness to touch over the tibial tubercle. Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and examination. Imaging is not always required but X-rays may show fragmentation or elevation of the tibial tubercle; MRI or ultrasound can be used if the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms persist.

Treatment emphasizes activity modification and symptom relief. Rest from aggravating sports, ice, analgesics as needed, and a supervised physical therapy program focusing on quadriceps and hamstring flexibility, hip strength, and gradual return to activity. A patellar tendon strap can reduce strain on the tibial tubercle. Most youths recover with time, often by the end of the growth period. Rarely, surgical intervention is considered for persistent pain or ossicle-related issues after maturity.

Prevention centers on progressive conditioning, stretching, and avoiding sudden increases in activity.