Osgood–schlatter Disease

Basics

Description

  • Osteochondritis of the tibial tubercle at the insertion of the patellar tendon
  • Most frequent cause of knee pain in children aged 10–15 yr
  • Pain and edema of the tibial tuberosity:
    • Tenderness at insertion site for patellar tendon just below the knee joint
  • Extra-articular disease:
    • Pain is worse with activity and improves with rest
    • Caused by repetitive stress and is common in children participating in sports
  • Benign, self-limited knee condition

Etiology

  • Etiology is controversial
  • Leading theory: Microfractures caused by traction on the apophysis
  • Pain occurs during activities that stress the patellar tendon insertion onto tibial tubercle

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