$Unique_ID{BRK00776}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Musculoskeletal System and
Connective Tissue}
$Title{What is "Osgood-Schlatter Disease"?}
$Subject{Osgood-Schlatter tibia adolescent}
$Volume{N-17, M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Osgood-Schlatter Disease"?


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QUESTION:  My 13 year old son is a terrific athlete, but his activities have
been put on hold due to pain that he developed in his left knee.  His
physician has diagnosed this as "Osgood-Schlatter Disease" and we are very
concerned.  Would you please discuss this condition and how it might affect my
boy's hopes for a career as a professional athlete?

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ANSWER:  Now included in a group of conditions considered to be "overuse"
injuries frequently seen in children and adolescents, Osgood-Schlatter Disease
(also know as tibial tubercle osteochondrosis, another mouthful to say)
generally occurs in youngsters between the ages of 11 and 15, and is seen most
frequently in boys.  The pain is felt over a bump of cartilage and bone (the
tibial tubercle) which is located just under the knee cap (patellar) where the
tendon of the big thigh muscle (called quadriceps because it is made up of 4
large "heads" or masses of muscle) attaches.  The more activity or
participation in sports, the more intense the pain becomes, until it begins to
hamper the athlete, and reduce his ability to play.  Every walking, running or
kicking movement, puts additional pressure on this area and aggravates the
condition.  There are no other problems, such as clicking, locking or buckling
of the knee associated with the condition.  In addition to pain and tenderness
at the location of the tubercle which may be enlarged, there is generally
swelling in acute cases.  An x-ray of the knee may show some irregularity in
the bone formation of the tubercle, as well.  There is no doubt that rest is
the most important element of treatment, but rehabilitative exercises are
needed as well to help stretch the tendon, and relieve some of the stress and
tension that is causing the pain.  Any activity which causes pain must be
avoided until all the symptoms are absent.  Stretching the quadriceps by
slowly bending the leg until the heel can touch the buttock is followed by
applications of ice to the tender and swollen area.  Once the pain is gone,
your son may return to athletics, and can use a neoprene sleeve to protect the
area from additional injury.  The condition may leave an enlarged bump in its
wake, but full range of activity can be recovered, and permit your son to
pursue his athletic dreams.
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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.
