Osgood-Schlatter Disease

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  • Anatomy
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease is caused by inflammation at the tibial tuberosity where the patella ligament inserts
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of anterior knee pain in adolescents
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease typically occurs in patients aged 10 – 15 years and is more common in males
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease is usually unilateral, but it can be bilateral
• Pathophysiology of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

  1. Patella tendon inserts into the tibial tuberosity

  2. In patients with Osgood-Schlatter Disease, multiple minor avulsion fractures occur where the patella ligament pulls away tiny pieces of the bone

  3. This leads to growth of the tibial tuberosity, causing a visible lump below the knee

  4. Initially, this lump is tender due to inflammation

  5. As the bone heals and inflammation settles, the lump becomes hard and non-tender

  6. A hard, non-tender lump is then permanently present at the tibial tuberosity
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease presents with a gradual onset of symptoms
• Osgood-Schlatter disease

  A condition where a hard, non-tender lump is permanently present at the tibial tuberosity
• Management of Osgood-Schlatter disease

  1. Initial focus on reducing pain and inflammation

  2. Reduction in physical activity

  3. Ice application

  4. NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen) for symptomatic relief

  5. Stretching and physiotherapy once symptoms settle to strengthen the joint and improve function
• Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease will fully resolve over time, leaving the patient with a hard bony lump on their knee
• A rare complication of Osgood-Schlatter disease is a complete avulsion fracture, where the tibial tuberosity is separated from the rest of the tibia, requiring surgical intervention
• Last updated

  August 2021