Lightning Learning: Osgood-Schlatter Disease
““Osgood-Schlatter disease is a self-limiting disorder causing anterior knee pain in 20% of children that participate in sports.””
STOP!
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a self-limiting disorder causing anterior knee pain in adolescents.
It is one of the most commonly encountered causes of knee pain in the children’s ED. It is caused by multiple small avulsion fractures to the tibial tuberosity at the inferior attachment of the patella tendon.
Imaging is not required, but if it is performed then it can be normal, show soft tissue swelling or tibial tubercle fragmentation. Remember to rule out other causes of knee pain, including referred pain from the hip.
LOOK
Osgood-Schlatter disease affects 20% of children who participate in sports – particularly if they involve lots of running, jumping or bending. It is more common in growth spurts, affecting boys aged 12-15 years old and girls aged 8-12 years old.
Management is R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), basic pain relief & stretching exercises. It can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to heal. Symptoms usually resolve by the end of adolescence.
Remember: NOT NO ACTIVITY, just decreased activity!
LEARN
- NICE Guidance: Summary of Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Pediatric EM Morsels: Osgood Schlatter’s Disease
