by Erich Rosenberger M.D.

Created on: February 13, 2008

Osgood Schlatter disease is a condition commonly seen in adolescent athletes. It is one of the more common causes of knee pain in an adolescent. Osgood Schlatter is typically seen in young male athletes, however it is becoming more frequent in adolescent girls. It is particularly common in athletes who participate in sports such as basketball, tennis and gymnastics. This is thought to be due to the stresses placed on the knee joint caused by the jumping involved in these sports.

It is estimated that up to one in five adolescents who participate in active sports will have some symptoms of this condition. 25 to 50% of affected people will experience pain in both knees.

Osgood Schlatter disease is also known as osteochondritis of the tibial tuberosity. This means that a small part of the tibia has become fractured and loose with in the knee joint. The exact cause of Osgood Schlatter disease is not well understood. The best current evidence points to a view that Osgood Schlatter is caused by repetitive strain to the knee joint, specifically the area between the tibia and the patella. This strain can cause the ligaments to partially disconnect from the bones - a process known as anavulsion .

It is thought that teenagers are effected more frequently due to the rapid growth of the tibia. Symptoms typically resolve about the same time that a child's growth plates in their legs close and they are no longer gaining height.

Symptoms

Osgood Schlatter disease is most commonly seen in 13 to 15 year old boys, or 11 to 13 year old girls who have recently gone through a growth spurt. They will complain of knee pain which is typically isolated to the front of the knee. This pain will increase in severity slowly over time. The pain will become worse with activities such as running, jumping, or twisting. The pain is frequently found on only one knee, however it is quite possible for both needs to be affected. The pain will improve with rest.

An examination of the patient with Osgood Schlatter disease will show tenderness of the affected knee joint. There will often be a significant amount of soft tissue swelling as well.

Most physicians are able to diagnose Osgood Schlatter disease based simply on the clinical presentation of the patient. There is rarely the need to perform x-rays or an MRI of the affected joints. However, these imaging techniques may be used in the event that the doctor suspects an infection in the joint, or possibly a fracture to either the patella or the tibia.

Treatment

Treatment

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