Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is thought to be due to chronic, repeated microtrauma to the insertion of the patellar ligament onto the tibial tuberosity. It is seen is active adolescents, especially those who jump and kick, and is therefore seen more frequently in boys. It is bilateral in up to 50% of patients. Occasionally the clinical and imaging findings will persist into adulthood, when it is referred to as ‘unresolved OSD’.
Clinically there will be pain and swelling over the tibial tuberosity.
Xrays findings:
It is important not to equate ‘fragmentation’ of the apophysis with OSD, as there may well be a secondary centers of ossification. Soft tissue swelling and a compatible history are essential in making the diagnosis.
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Credit: Dr Frank Gaillard
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