Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common condition affecting the knees, primarily in young athletes experiencing rapid growth. It occurs when the patellar tendon pulls away from the tibia, resulting in pain and a swollen bony bump just below the kneecap. This condition is most frequently observed in boys aged ten to fifteen and in girls aged eight to thirteen, especially those engaged in sports that involve running or jumping.
Symptoms typically include pain during activities that put stress on the knee, such as bending, squatting, or jumping. Fortunately, the condition usually resolves on its own once growth is complete, often disappearing without the need for extensive medical intervention. For symptom relief, treatments focus on rest, ice application, and pain management, with more severe cases potentially requiring a brace or cast.
While surgical intervention is rarely needed, it is advisable for persistent pain to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Overall, Osgood-Schlatter disease is manageable, and with proper care and activity modification, most children can return to their normal activities after recovery.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Knees, musculoskeletal system, tendons
DEFINITION: Pain caused by the patellar (kneecap) tendon pulling away from the tibia (shin bone)
CAUSES: Rapid skeletal growth, repetitive motion associated with sports
SYMPTOMS: Pain below kneecap; swollen, bony bump
DURATION: Chronic during childhood
TREATMENTS: Usually self-resolving; alleviation of symptoms with rest, ice, elastic bandages, leg elevation, pain medications, brace or cast in severe cases
Causes and Symptoms
Osgood-Schlatter disease is most frequently found in young athletes during their years of rapid growth. It is more common in boys, who are typically affected between the ages of ten and fifteen. Girls usually are affected at younger ages, eight to thirteen. However, children are at risk between the ages of ten and eighteen, especially during their rapid skeletal growth years. Children who play sports that involve running or repetitive jumping have the highest risk.
The most common symptom of Osgood-Schlatter disease is pain below the kneecap. There is usually a swollen, bony bump in that area. Pain is often felt when the bump is touched or when the knee is bent or fully extended in activities such as running, jumping, kneeling, twisting, squatting, or lifting weights. As the child matures, Osgood-Schlatter disease will usually go away. When children stop growing, the patellar is stronger and the pain and swelling disappear. Very seldom does the disease continue after rapid growth stops.
If the pain persists, then the child should see a pediatrician or orthopedist. The physician will examine the area and the location of pain in order to make a diagnosis. If the source of the pain is unclear, then an x-ray will be taken of the knee to verify Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Treatment and Therapy
The best treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease is simply rest. Depending on the severity of the condition, the child may have to decrease activity levels or stop playing sports for several months. Deep knee bending and jumping should be minimized, and running may need to be limited. To treat the pain, the knee should get more rest, and ice should be applied for twenty minutes three times per day. Elastic bandages should be used to compress the knee area, and the leg should be elevated when possible. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken. In extreme cases, a brace or cast may be used.
After recovery from the pain, the child can slowly return to previous activity levels. Additionally, a physical therapist can prescribe exercises that will help strengthen the leg muscles around the knee to minimize the chances of a recurrence.
There is no surgical procedure for Osgood-Schlatter disease unless the patellar tendon is fully torn from the tibia. This should not happen if the patient gets proper rest, in which case Osgood-Schlatter disease will resolve itself.
Bibliography
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Corbi, Francisco, et al. "Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Appearance, Diagnosis and Treatment." Healthcare, vol. 10, no. 6, p. 1011, 30 May 2022, doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061011. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
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