Osgood Schlatters disease

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in active, growing children and adolescents. It is not a disease in the usual sense but an overuse condition affecting the bony bump just below the knee (the tibial tubercle), where the patellar tendon attaches. During growth spurts, repeated pulling of the tendon on this still-developing area causes inflammation, tenderness and sometimes a prominent bump. It is especially common in children who play a lot of running and jumping sports.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap, over the bony bump

• A prominent or enlarged bump below the knee

• Pain that worsens with running, jumping, kneeling or climbing stairs

• Pain that eases with rest

• Often affects one knee but can affect both

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made clinically from the typical history and examination findings. X-rays are not always needed but may be used to confirm the diagnosis or to exclude other causes when the presentation is unusual.

Treatment options

Osgood-Schlatter disease is self-limiting and settles as a child finishes growing, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. This includes activity modification (reducing aggravating sport during flare-ups rather than stopping all activity), stretching and strengthening exercises through physiotherapy, ice after activity, and simple pain relief. A protective strap or band is sometimes helpful. Symptoms can come and go over many months, but the condition resolves once growth is complete. Surgery is very rarely needed and only considered in adults with persistent symptoms from a residual bony fragment.

Outlook

The outlook is excellent. Almost all children make a full recovery as they finish growing, although the bony bump may remain.

When to seek advice

If your child has persistent knee pain affecting their activity, pain in only one knee that is severe or constant, or swelling, so the diagnosis can be confirmed and other causes excluded.

This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for a consultation with Mr Wadia. If you are worried about your child, please seek medical advice.