Osgood-Schlatter disease is really a condition characterised by pain and tenderness within the most prominent bony part over the tibia just underneath the leading from the knee (the tibial tubercle). It is the commonest kind of traction apophysitis.
Osgood SchlatterClinical presentation:
It always occurs in children in the generation of 10-14 years specially those involved with running or jumping sports. It's almost 4x commoner in boys in comparison to girls. It is characterised by anterior knee pain and tenderness which worsens on activity. A normal feature is difficulty in kneeling down.
Symptomatology:
Pain, tenderness and swelling on the tibial tubercle
Pain could be elicited by pressing upon the shin in the flexed knee position with the subject trying to extend against resistance
traditional cases show weakening and eventual wasting of the quadriceps on the affected side
long standing cases also show limited ability of knee flexion
Investigations:
X-ray: not often required as diagnosis is clinical. However, when performed, it shows soft tissue swelling over the tibial tubercle in addition to fragmentation of the tibial tubercle (both features when present in combination are believed diagnostic).
Indications for X-ray:
when diagnosis is within doubt
whenever a more serious injury (avulsion from the tibial tubercle) is suspected
while in spite of a good treatment, symptoms are relieved
Treatment:
Rest from activity is just about the best mode of treatment esp. in severe cases
In milder cases, some level of activity may be permitted to be done
To reduce the degree of traction force around the tibial tubercle, a graded flexibility program for that quadriceps and hip flexors is undertaken
Strengthening with the quadriceps is another fantastic way to reduce traction around the tibial tubercle
Abnormalities of joint movements like hyperpronation in addition to patellar malalignment ought to be corrected by educating the topic as well as undertaking exercise programs and orthotics
Prognosis
Usually great
Calcification may occur in a tiny number of cases; symptoms persist longer, instability from the knee joint can happen. Such cases may require surgical intervention.