Osgood Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the growth plate of the tibial tuberosity, causing pain, swelling, and a visible lump. It is most common in active children between 11 and 15 years old, and is treated with rest, pain relief, and stretching exercises.
Osgood Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the growth plate of the tibial tuberosity, which is an area on the front of the shin just below the knee, attached to the quadriceps muscle by the patellar ligament. The disease is caused by stress on the patellar ligament and is most common in active children between the ages of 11 and 15. Osgood Schlatter disease causes excessive bone growth at the tibial tuberosity, producing a visible lump, pain, and swelling. It is named after two surgeons who independently discovered the condition in 1903, Robert Bayley Osgood in America and Carl Schlatter in Switzerland.
Frequent contraction of the quadriceps muscle can place stress on the patellar ligament and immature tibial tuberosity, resulting in inflammation and small tears. Once the tibia is fully grown, there is no risk of Osgood Schlatter disease. The condition is usually simple to treat, but can recur until the bone has reached maturity. Boys are at greatest risk for Osgood Schlatter disease, which usually strikes them around age 13 or 14. Girls are most at risk between the ages of 11 and 12.
This disease is treated with rest and pain relief. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually all that is needed. Joint immobilization and surgery are rarely used measures reserved for extreme cases. However, Osgood Schlatter’s disease can take some time to heal. On average, children with the condition have to stop athletic activities for three months and resume them gradually, with full athletic activities resuming within seven months.
Osgood Schlatter’s disease can be partially prevented with stretching exercises and attention to exercise routines, making sure they don’t put undue stress on the quadriceps and hamstrings. It is also helpful to support the knee with a pad or strap during athletic activities and training. These measures are especially important for children who have already had Osgood Schlatter’s disease.
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