INTRODUCTION​

• Osgood Schlatter, also known as tibial tubercle apophysitis, is a common condition affecting growing children and adolescents

• It is characterized by inflammation of the shin bone growth plate

• This condition is often associated with growth spurts  

• 25% of Osgood Schlatter’s disease cases occur bilaterally (on both knees)

CAUSES

• Osgood Schlatter disease is caused by repetitive overload of the patella tendon on the shin bone growth plate

• Growth plates are weaker than tendons and ligaments and are more vulnerable to injury

• Common in active adolescents participating in jumping sports, but can occur in any growing child

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain and occasional swelling in the front of the knee over the patellar tendon and the shin bone

• Tenderness of the shin bone close to the knee

• May look like a bump or “double knee”

• Pain is usually worse after activity but can also be present at rest

TREATMENT​​

• Treatment of Osgood Schlatter disease is centered around a home exercise program focused on eccentric strengthening and stretching of the patellar tendon

• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are oftentimes helpful as an adjunct to other treatments

• Knee straps can decrease pain and swelling

• In refractory cases, a course of leg casting or bracing may be indicated

• Surgery is only reserved in Osgood Schlatter disease cases that have failed multiple extensive courses of conservative management and only when patients stop growing (skeletally mature)

        PREVENTION

• The best way to prevent this condition is to avoid repetitive activities that overload the patellar tendon