Osgood-Schlatter disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ICD-10 | M92.5 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 732.4 |
| DiseasesDB | 9299 |
| MedlinePlus | 001258 |
| eMedicine | emerg/347 |
Osgood-Schlatter disease (also known as tibial tubercle traumatic apophysitis) is an inflammation of the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity. It is one of a group of conditions called Osteochondritis.
The disease is most common in active boys aged 10-14. It most commonly occurs in just one leg but can occur in both at the same time. It is named after the two people who first described it.[1][2] It is not serious and usually goes away in time.
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[edit] Causes
The condition is caused by stress on the tendon that attaches the muscle at the front of the thigh to the tibia. It occurs when, following an adolescent growth spurt, stress from contraction of the quadriceps is transmitted through the patellar tendon to the not yet fully-developed tibial tuberosity. This can cause inflammation and avulsion fracture, and eventually results in bone growth in the tendon, producing a visible lump.
[edit] Symptoms
A visible bump around 2cm in diameter will appear at the tibial tubercle and will cause pain during and after high impact activities, and sometimes after lesser activities such as climbing stairs. The disease is generally a benign condition which in most cases will eventually disappear on its own. Symptoms may last for 2-3 years, but will always resolve at the end of the growth spurt, or at the latest when the tibial epiphysis fuses.[3]
[edit] Treatment
Treatment includes rest and analgesics. Doctors encourage to take a break from any more physical activity that could induce more pain until the pain subsides.[4] Immobilization of the knee by a cast may be required if the problem persists. As a last resort surgery, consisting of the drilling (under anaesthetic) of multiple holes through the epiphyseal plate promotes fusion and relieves the condition.
[edit] References
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Osgood R.B. (1903). "Lesions of the tibia tubercle occurring during adolescence". Boston Medical and Surgical Journal 148: 114-7.
- ^ Schlatter C. (1903). "Verletzungen des schnabelförmigen Forsatzes der oberen Tibiaepiphyse". [Bruns] Beiträge zur klinischen Chirurgie 38: 874-87.
- ^ Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (June 2004). Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Retrieved on 2006-12-26.
- ^ Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Cause of Knee Pain in Children. American Academy of Family Physicians (Dec 2005). Retrieved on 2006-12-26.
