$Unique_ID{BRK01008}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue, Ill Defined Symptoms
and Rare Diseases}
$Title{The Causes of Osgood Schlatter Disease}
$Subject{Osgood Schlatter teenage sports}
$Volume{M-17, N-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Causes of Osgood Schlatter Disease


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QUESTION:  My 12 year old daughter, with high hopes of an athletic career in
tennis, is suffering from a swollen knee that was diagnosed as Osgood
Schlatter Disease.  As very concerned parents we have looked up the condition
in a medical book at our local public library and are horrified with what we
learned.  Yet our wonderful doctor keeps telling us not to worry, it will all
come out fine.  Can you help us with an explanation of the causes, and the
proper treatment of this condition?

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ANSWER:  The history of this answer to you took an interesting turn, for when
checking my own sources to refresh my memory, I found that my material spoke
in optimistic terms about the outcome of Osgood Schlatter, a disease that
strikes the knees of young teen age boys and girls.  I was all set to provide
you with the reassurance that your doctor was correct, when my studies took me
to our own small public library, and I decided to try to duplicate your
experience.  Naturally the books available were all a bit dated, and when I
read the explanations offered, I quickly understood your anxiety.  The
description of the cause was "avascular necrosis of the ossification center of
the tibial tuberosity" which translates into "the death of the bone producing
center of the tibial bump due to loss of circulation".  While that may have
been the accepted cause when Drs.  Osgood and Schlatter first described the
condition in 1903, it is a theory that no longer is generally accepted.
Instead it is believed that the condition of a swelling, and very tender and
painful area over the bump on the shin bone just below the knee, is most
probably due to the strains and stresses that may result from active
participation in athletic competition.  While once a condition seen primarily
in boys, the gals are now rapidly catching up as their involvement in sports
increases.  The good news is that Osgood Schlatter is considered a benign
disorder, that in mild cases, can disappear by itself.  Treatment consists of
pain medication as needed and restriction of physical activities, particularly
those that require frequent deep knee bending.  Braces on the knee can be
used, or even a cast to immobilize the knee if symptoms continue.  A two to
four month period of rest, followed by reconditioning and strengthening
exercises will soon have your young athlete back on her feet, and playing her
favorite sport.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
