What is Osgood-Schlatters Disease?
The Osgood-Schlatter Disease is claimed by some to not actually be a disease, but is rather a collection of symptoms that involves the tibial tubercle epiphysis. (The term epiphysis is essentially a growth center for bone). Discovered in 1903 by Dr. Robert Bayley Osgood and Dr. Carl Schlatter, Osgood-Schlatters Disease is often found among young athletes and children, mainly affecting boys and girls between 10-16 years of age. Osgood-Schlatters Disease can be characterized by inflammation, swelling, and/or painful symptoms at the tibial turberosity. Often times Osgood-Schlatters disease will subside when the individual stops growing, and the tendon becomes stronger. Moreover, the symptoms will be present for younger athletes and children during or after exercise.
What is the cause of Osgood-Schlatters disease?
Osgood-Schlatters disease occurs when the patellar tendon, (which attaches the quadriceps muscle at the front of the thigh and inserts on the tibial tuberosity) is overused. The tibial tubercle is a small bump on the tibia (your shin bone) just below your knee. Inflammation can occur when the patellar tendon tugs on the tibial tuberosity. Osgood-Schlatters disease is also known as a tibial tubercle apophyseal traction injury. Children and young athletes involved in activities that include a high frequency of running and jumping, are more at risk, because these activities put a greater strain on the patellar tendon.
Tests & Diagnosis
Upon visiting with the physician, your child will have a physical examination of their knee. The physician will be looking for symptoms such as redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling in and around the knee joint. He or she will also want to check the range of motion (ROM) in your child's knee. Further tests, such as x-rays may be used to look at the bones that comprise the knee joint and leg, in an effort to more closely examine the point where the patellar tendon inserts on the tibia tuberosity.
What can the athlete do if they have Osgood-Schlatters disease?
Seek the advice of a sports injury professional. Before proceeding with any treatment, it is important to make sure that Osgood Schlatters is causing the pain. Your physician can confirm or disconfirm this diagnosis. Treatment is usually conservative; rest and simple pain reduction measures of ice packs can be of great assistance. The use of a low profile knee brace (with or without a hinge) can also be of help. Typically, these knee braces can help keep the knee warm while also placing subtle pressure on the swollen area. The light pressure seems to relieve pain by compressing the separating physis. A very expensive / deluxe knee brace is probably not indicated for Osgood Schlatters.
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