Osgood-Schlatter Disease

• Knee
• ACL Reconstruction
• PCL Reconstruction
• Patella/Patella and Femoral
• Meniscus
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease
  • Diagnosis & Testing
  • Treatment
  • Surgical Management
  • Rehabilitation
• Osteochondral Injuries
• Iliotibial Band Friction syndrome
• Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

Introduction

Osgood-Schlatter (OS) disease occurs during a child’s adolescent growth spurt.  It is one of the most common causes of knee pain in the young athlete.  If your child is involved in running or jumping activities during this time, he or she is at risk of developing OS.  It is considered an overuse injury because it is commonly caused by repetitive flexion and extension of the knee.  It is commonly found in basketball athletes and runners, but it can occur in any active adolescent.  While it is more commonly found in male adolescent athletes, it can also be found in female athletes as well.  During the athlete’s rapid growth stages (10-11 years old in females, 13-14 years old in males), Osgood-Schlatter Disease will most likely occur, but it can occur anytime until the athlete’s body has reached its adult size.  Because of the rapid growth during these adolescent years, the stress of repeated knee movement and quadriceps contraction is placed directly on the bony prominence located on the upper shinbone just below the kneecap.  This bony prominence is referred to as the tibial tubercle.  This stress causes pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Risk factors include:

• Age between 11 and 18 years
• Male athletes
• Rapid skeletal growth
• Repetitive jumping sports

Signs and Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter Disease presents with pain, swelling and tenderness over the tibial tubercle.  There could also be swelling or a visible bump at the tibial tubercle.  Exercises that cause repetitive quadriceps loading, such as running, jumping, and squatting will worsen these signs and symptoms.  Going up and down stairs will also cause these signs and symptoms.

Don’t let an injury keep you on the bench. Schedule your Geisinger Sports Medicine appointment today.