What is it? Osgood Schlatters disease is a very common cause of knee pain in children and young athletes usually between the ages of 10 and 15. It occurs due to a period of rapid growth, combined with a high level of sporting activity

Anatomy Femur: – Thighbone – Articulates with hip joint above and knee joint below – The femur and tibia form the major portion of the knee joint, Tibia: – Thick bone in the front of the lower leg or shin – The tibia supports all of the body's weight below the knee joint. Patella: – Kneecap – The patella protects the front of the knee joint. – Connected by tendons above and below

Tendons Quadriceps tendon: – Attaches the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap Patellar tendon: – Attaches the patella to the tibia Popliteus tendon: – Extends from the outer bottom surface of the femur and travels diagonally behind the knee to attach to the inner upper surface of the tibia. Hamstring tendons: – Attach the hamstring muscles to the tibia Calf tendons: – Attach the calf muscles to the femur

Ligaments Lateral collateral ligament: – Stabilizes the knee from stress applied to the sides of the knee Medial collateral ligament: – Stabilizes the knee from stress applied to the sides of the knee Posterior cruciate ligament: – Stabilizes the knee from stress applied to the front or back of the knee Anterior cruciate ligament: – Stabilizes the knee from stress applied to the front or back of the knee

Cartilage Medial meniscus Lateral meniscus

Signs and Symptoms The patient complains of constant aching and pain and tenderness over the tibial tubercle, which worsens during any activity that causes forceful contraction of the patellar tendon on the tubercle, such as ascending or descending stairs, running, jumping, or forced flexion

Special tests The Examiner forces the tibia into internal rotation while slowly extending the patient’s knee from 90 degrees of flexion; at about 30 degrees, flexion produces pain that subsides immediately with external rotation of the tibia. Bone scan may show increased uptake in the area of the tibial tuberosity

Treatments Ice Strengthening of quads and hamstrings. Rest Patience

Rehabilitation Ice Rest

References