Introduction
Osgood Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a painful condition in which there is injury to the tibial tuberosity where it joins with the patellar tendon.
It is commonly found in adolescents, particularly who participate in a lot of sporting activities during their growth spurt.
Symptoms typically resolve with rest and are exacerbated by activity. Episodes last from a few weeks to a few months, and an individual can have multiple episodes.
Pathology
The patellar tendon causes damage to the tibial tuberosity due to a combination of increased quadriceps muscle strength, immaturity of the bone and repeated strain. Inflammation and increased bone growth around the tuberosity sometimes creates a palpable bony nodule just below the patellar tendon that may be painful.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually clinical. A suggestive history can be confirmed with tenderness of the tibial tubersoity.
X-rays, if performed (not usually indicated) can also confirm the diagnosis by showing thickening over the tibial insertion of the patellar tendon, or in more severe cases deformity and fragmentation of the patellar tendon.
Differential Diagnoses
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Traumatic knee injuries – e.g. meiniscal tear, cruciate ligament rupture, collateral ligament injury
- Causes of hip pathology that may lead to referred knee pain
