
What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes pain and swelling below the knee joint, where the patellar tendon attaches to the top of the shinbone (tibia), a spot called the tibial tuberosity. There may also be inflammation of the patellar tendon, which stretches over the kneecap.
What is Osgood Schlatter disease recovery?
Related Media. Recovery. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It is an inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia).
How is Osgood-Schlatter disease diagnosed in children?
Your doctor may also order an x-ray image of your child's knee to help confirm the diagnosis or rule out any other problems. In Osgood-Schlatter disease, the enlarged, inflamed tibial tubercle is nearly always tender when pressure is applied.
Which radiographic findings are characteristic of Osgood Schlatter disease (Osgood-Schlatter disease)?
Osgood Schlatter disease is a clinical diagnosis, and radiographic evaluation is usually not necessary. Plain radiographs may be used to rule out additional diagnoses such as fracture, infection, or bone tumor if the presentation is severe or atypical.

What is similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease?
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome and Osgood-Schlatter disease are very similar and share many causes, symptoms and treatments. In fact, both conditions refer to injured patellar tendons in kids and teens. The main difference is which part of the patellar tendon is injured.
What is the Osgood-Schlatter bump called?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a painful enlargement of a bump on the shin bone just below the knee. This bump is called the tibial tuberosity, which is where the tendon from the knee cap inserts.
Is Osgood-Schlatter the same as tendonitis?
OSGOOD SCHLATTER'S DISEASE (PATELLAR TENDONITIS) OS occurs when there is irritation to the top, front portion of the shin bone (tibia) where the tendon attached to the kneecap (patella) meets the shin bone.
Why is Osgood-Schlatter called that?
In 1903, Robert Osgood (1873-1956), a US orthopedic surgeon, and Carl Schlatter (1864-1934), a Swiss surgeon, concurrently described the disease that now bears their names. Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common causes of knee pain in active adolescents.
Is Osgood-Schlatter a disability?
The Veteran's Osgood-Schlatter disease of the left and right legs was initially assigned a noncompensable disability rating for each leg under Diagnostic Code 5262. 38 C.F.R.
Is Osgood-Schlatter genetic?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is an osteochondrosis, which is a group of disorders of the growth plates that occur when the child is growing rapidly. Doctors are not sure what causes osteochondrosis, but the disorders do seem to run in families.
Can Osgood-Schlatter cause permanent damage?
Osgood Schlatters will not cause permanent damage and will usually resolve when the child has reduced activity and stopped growing. It can, however, cause a bump to form on the shin bone underneath the tendon insertion.
What is the best way to get rid of Osgood-Schlatter?
Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease includes reducing the activity that makes it worse, icing the painful area, using kneepads or a patellar tendon strap, and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is rarely used to treat Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Can Osgood-Schlatter be removed?
A variety of conservative treatments are used in most cases, however surgical intervention can be successful for patients who have intolerable symptoms. Most surgical options of the Osgood-Schlatter disease include open procedures, while arthroscopic or direct bursoscopic excision has been reported.
Is Osgood-Schlatter cancerous?
The name brings to mind exotic illness and many patients tend to confuse it with Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer. In reality, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a very common and benign variety of overuse injury that occurs in knees of adolescents.
How serious is Osgood-Schlatter?
Long-term effects of OSD usually aren't serious. Some kids may have a painless bump below the knee that doesn't go away. Very rarely, doctors will do surgery to remove a painful bump below the knee. Some adults who had OSD as kids or teens have some pain with kneeling.
What happens if Osgood goes untreated?
Left untreated, Osgood-Schlatter usually goes away as children grow and the tibial tubercle fuses into the shin bone. However, doctors can treat even the most severe cases. Treatment can consist of physical therapy, medication, ice and knee wraps. If necessary, children may have to take a break from sports activities.
What is the bump in Osgood Schlatters made of?
While a child is still growing, these areas of growth are made of cartilage instead of bone. The cartilage is never as strong as the bone, so high levels of stress can cause the growth plate to begin to hurt and swell.
How do I get rid of Osgood bump?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease TreatmentR.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation).Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling.An elastic wrap or a neoprene sleeve around the knee to secure the joint.Stretching, flexibility, and physical therapy exercises for the thigh and leg muscles.
Does Osgood-Schlatter leave a bump?
This problem can come back while your child is still growing, but it should stop when your child's growth spurt ends. Osgood-Schlatter disease may leave a painless bump on the bone that remains after the problem has gone away.
Can Osgood-Schlatter bump be removed?
A variety of conservative treatments are used in most cases, however surgical intervention can be successful for patients who have intolerable symptoms. Most surgical options of the Osgood-Schlatter disease include open procedures, while arthroscopic or direct bursoscopic excision has been reported.
What causes knee pain in adolescent athletes?
Osgood Schlatter disease is one of the most common causes of knee pain in the skeletally immature, adolescent athlete. Onset coincides with adolescent growth spurts between ages 10 to 15 years for males and 8 to 13 years for females.
What is the term for overuse injury that occurs in active adolescent patients?
The prevailing theory is that there is repeated traction over the tubercle leading to microvascular tears, fractures, and inflammation; which then presents as swelling, pain, and tenderness. Osgood Schlatter disease is an overuse injury that occurs in active adolescent patients.
How long does a tibial apophysis last?
Ultimately, the condition is self-limiting but may persist for up to 2 years until the apophysis fuses. Treatment includes relative rest and activity modification from the offending activity as guided by the level of pain. There is no evidence to suggest that rest speeds up recovery, but activity restriction is effective in reducing pain. Patients may participate in sports as long as the pain resolves with rest and does not limit sports-associated activities. Local application of ice and NSAIDs can be used for pain relief. A protective knee pad may be worn over tibial tubercle to protect from direct trauma. Hamstring stretching and both quadriceps stretching and strengthening exercises can be a useful adjunct. If the pain does not respond to conservative measures, formal physical therapy may be warranted. In severe, prolonged cases a short period of knee immobilization may be considered. There is no evidence to recommend injection therapy or surgical intervention for Osgood-Schlatter disease. Symptoms typically are self-limiting with a resolution of pain upon closure of the apophysis. Long-term sequelae may include a thickened or prominent tibial tubercle, but this is asymptomatic in the vast majority of cases. [10][11][12][4][6]
What causes pain in the anterior knee?
Osgood Schlatter disease, also known as osteochondrosis or traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle, is a common cause of anterior knee pain in the skeletally immature athletic population.
What age does patellar tendon insert?
This is followed by ossification of the tibial tubercle at ages 10-12 in girls and at ages 12-14 in boys. It is during this stage of bone maturation when Osgood Schlatter disease develops.
How to tell if a child has knee pain?
An 8 to 15-year-old child will typically present with anterior knee pain with or without swelling which can be unilateral or bilateral. Pain begins as a dull ache localized over tibial tubercle gradually increasing with activity. The presentation is typical of insidious onset without preceding trauma. Pain typically improves with rest and will subside minutes to hours after the inciting activity or sport is stopped. Pain is exacerbated particularly by running, jumping, direct knee trauma, kneeling, and squatting. An enlarged prominence at the tibial tubercle is present with tenderness over the site of patellar tendon insertion. Poor flexibility of quadriceps and hamstrings may be present as predisposing factors. Pain may be reproduced by resisted knee extension and active or passive knee flexion. [1][5] [10][12]
How long does Osgood Schlatter disease last?
In about 10% of patients, the symptoms may continue into adulthood. This long term sequelae occurs when the individual does not seek treatment or has poor compliance with the recommended treatment. There are reported cases when the pain may last several years.
What is the condition where a tendon pulls against the top of the shinbone?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that happens when a tendon in the knee (the patellar tendon) pulls against the top of the shinbone. This causes pain in the knee and the upper shin. Tendons are bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The patellar tendon pulls on an area of the shinbone where new bone is forming, ...
How to relieve stress on patellar tendon?
Many children find relief by stretching their quadriceps (thigh muscles ) to release some of the tension on the patellar tendon. Some doctors also recommend using a brace called a patellar tendon strap. This thin strap fits around the knee under the kneecap. It can relieve some stress on the patellar tendon.
Why do kids get Osgood-Schlatter disease?
Children and adolescents get Osgood-Schlatter disease when they play sports that put repeated stress on the patellar tendon. There are certain activities –running and jumping—that cause your leg muscles to pull the patellar tendon, which pulls on the growth plate.
What is the condition where you have a bump on your knee?
If you are an adolescent and you have pain right below your kneecap, you may have Osgood-Schlatter disease. Your risk of developing the condition is higher if you play sports that involve jumping or bending your knees. A hard bump on the front of your knee above your shin is a sign of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
What causes pain in the upper shin and knee?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes pain in the knee and upper shin when tendons pull against the top of the shinbone. Sometimes called jumper’s knee, this condition usually happens to adolescents. It is treated at home with rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is it called when a child's bones grow?
Sometimes called growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter disease often occurs when children are going through a growth spurt. During periods of rapid growth, the bones, muscles, and tendons shift and grow larger. These changes can put more stress on the patellar tendon and growth plate.
What does it mean when you have a bump on your knee?
A hard bump on the front of your knee above your shin is a sign of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
What muscles pull on the tibial tubercle?
When a child is active, the quadriceps muscles pull on the patellar tendon which, in turn, pulls on the tibial tubercle. In some children, this repetitive traction on the tubercle leads to inflammation of the growth plate. The prominence, or bump, of the tibial tubercle may become very pronounced.
What causes pain in the tibia?
Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain at the tibial tubercle — the bony bump where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia (shinbone).
What is the bone that covers the growth plate at the end of the tibia?
Some growth plates serve as attachment sites for tendons, the strong tissues that connect muscles to bones. A bony bump called the tibial tubercle covers the growth plate at the end of the tibia.
What causes knee pain in adolescents?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain) Osgood -Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It is an inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia).
What is POSNA in medical terms?
The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) is a group of board eligible/board certified orthopaedic surgeons who have specialized training in the care of children's musculoskeletal health. Learn more about this topic at POSNA's OrthoKids website: Osgood-Schlatter's Disease.
Why do doctors order x-rays of knees?
Your doctor may also order an x-ray image of your child's knee to help confirm the diagnosis or rule out any other problems. In Osgood-Schlatter disease, the enlarged, inflamed tibial tubercle is nearly always tender when pressure is applied.
Why is Osgood-Schlatter disease so common?
Osgood-Schlatter disease most often occurs during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly. Because physical activity puts additional stress on bones and muscles, children who participate in athletics — especially running and jumping sports — are at an increased risk for this condition.
What is the term for the pulling away of the patella tendon from the tibial tubercle?
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease occurs when there is a pulling away of the patella tendon from its bony attachment on the tibial tubercle with the prominence at the top and front of the tibia (shin bone). Alternatively known as ‘traction apophysitis’ as this describes the pulling away of the tendon from its soft bony attachment. The bone area is still soft because it is also the site of a child’s growth plate, and cartilage is in the process of turning slowly to bone as the child grows through their puberty stage.
Why is Daniel Welbeck so swollen?
Daniel Welbeck was diagnosed with Osgood Schlatter disease in his youth, leaving him with excruciating pain and swelling in his knees. Doctors warned he should consider quitting soccer, claiming that continuing to train and play several times a week could cause ongoing pain and growth complications.
How old is too old to get Osgood Schlatters?
This usually occurs in their early teens. The most common age for Osgood Schlatters Disease is between 12 and 14 years old.
What is Osgood Schlatter's disease?
No active child wants to stop playing and participating in their sports which can lead to further pain and frustration. Osgood Schlatters Disease is in essence, a sports-related overuse injury in adolescents.
Why is the bone area still soft?
The bone area is still soft because it is also the site of a child’s growth plate, and cartilage is in the process of turning slowly to bone as the child grows through their puberty stage. This soft site is called the epiphysis and the tendon attachment area is called the ‘apophysis’.
Where is the tibial tubercle?
The first symptom of Osgood Schlatters Disease is usually pain after activity The child will point to the area and as the condition gets worse it is characterised by a swollen and tender lump forming at the top of the shin (tibia), which is below the front of the knee. Whilst there is a lump there anyway, called the tibial tubercle, when a child has Osgood Schlatters Disease the lump is enlarged, swollen and very tender to touch.
What is orthopaedic eponym?
The language of orthopedics often credits the original describers or those who popularized a disease process by attaching their names to the disease process in question. These so-called “eponyms” have become quite commonplace in our literature and offer important orthopaedic historical insight.
How is Osgood-Schlatter treated in adults?
In childhood, the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease focuses on rest. This will let the growth spurt pass. The patellar tendon will adapt to the new length of the bones. Which, in turn, will heal the injury.
What causes a swollen patellar tendon?
Certain jumping sports, including basketball, gymnastics, and figure skating, constantly pull on your patellar tendon. This repeated stress can cause painful inflammation of the tubercle.
What muscle goes down the kneecap?
Your quadriceps muscle has a strong tendon that goes down your kneecap. That tendon is called the “patellar tendon.”
Why is Osgood-Schlatter disease common?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is also common during growth spurts. This is because bones, tendons, and muscles grow at different rates. Sometimes, the patellar tendon can’t keep up with bones.
What is Osgood-Schlatter physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy for Osgood-Schlatter focuses on strengthening and stretching the lower leg. Working on your hamstring muscles and quadriceps muscles will improve your symptoms. ( 2, 3)
How to reduce swelling and pain in the first day?
Ice. Ice packs can reduce pain and swelling in the first days.
What is the growth plate on a bone?
During childhood, the growth plate on the bone is like cartilage. Your body replaces that cartilage with bone, causing growing pains.

Overview
Signs and symptoms
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Prevention
Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is inflammation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity (apophysitis). It is characterized by a painful bump just below the knee that is worse with activity and better with rest. Episodes of pain typically last a few weeks to months. One or both knees may be affected and flares may recur.
Risk factors include overuse, especially sports which involve frequent running or jumping. The u…
Treatment
Osgood–Schlatter disease causes pain in the front lower part of the knee. This is usually at the ligament-bone junction of the patellar ligament and the tibial tuberosity. The tibial tuberosity is a slight elevation of bone on the anterior and proximal portion of the tibia. The patellar tendon attaches the anterior quadriceps muscles to the tibia via the knee cap.
Intense knee pain is usually the presenting symptom that occurs during activities such as runnin…
Prognosis
Risk factors include overuse, especially sports which involve running or jumping. The underlying mechanism is repeated tension on the growth plate of the upper tibia. It also occurs frequently in male pole vaulters aged 14–22.
Epidemiology
Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms.
This test can see various warning signs that predict if OSD might occur. Ultrasonography can detect if there is any tissue swelling and cartilage swelling. Ultrasonography's main goal is to identify OSD in the early stage rather than later on. It has unique features such as detection of an increase of swelling within the tibia or the cartilage surrounding the area and can also see if ther…