Osgood–Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a type of anterior knee pain seen in the pediatric population, specifically in growing adolescents.  Children have growth plates towards the end of bones that continue to contribute to the length of the bones until the child matures and these growth plates ossify (Become a part of the bone).  In adults, bone is stronger than muscle and the associated tendons that attach muscle to bone, but this is not true for the pediatric population.  The growth plates represent areas of weakness of the bone and are thus more susceptible to traction or pulling injuries.  The patellar tendon serves as an anchoring point for the quadriceps to the tibia (Shin) of the lower leg at a point called the tibial tubercle, under which is the location of a growth plate.  When the quad muscle activates, the patellar tendon increases tension at its insertion on the tibial tubercle.  This repeated traction in a growing child whose bone is weaker at this site can result in OSD which often presents as a raised, painful bump of bone in the front of the knee at the tibial tubercle.  In an adult, this repeated traction would more likely lead to damage of the patellar tendon (Termed patellar tendonitis/osis).  However, in the pediatric population, especially those children who engage in running and jumping activities, OSD is more likely to be the diagnosis.