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What – apart from the passion for sports – connects young footballers and athletes? Both of these groups are at risk for Osgood-Schlatter disease.
How does Osgood Schlatter’s disease progress?
Osgood-Schlatter disease presents with pain and swelling of the tibial tuberosity. It mainly affects adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age who are actively involved in sports. Its cause is still a mystery. It is believed that the main cause of Osgood-Schlatter disease is the so-called Avulsion fracture (from overload) of the tibial tuberosity. This lump is a small thickening of the tibia that anyone can feel by touching the top of the lower leg to the front. It attaches to one end of the patellar ligament, which is part of the common tendon of the quadriceps muscle. This muscle straightens the leg in the knee state (i.e. it allows us to get up, and when we run – it conditions the correct movement of the legs). The quadriceps muscle is very well developed in young athletes. Too intense physical effort, however, leads to a much greater development of strength and endurance of this muscle compared to its attachment – the tibial tuberosity. The effect is the same as with a heavy metal lamp attached to a plasterboard wall. The wall will not withstand the load and both it and the lamp will fall to the ground. The same is the case with the tuberosity of the tibia and the patellar ligament.
What changes occur in the tibial tuberosity of young athletes?
Too large, regularly repeated overloads of the knee joint lead to the detachment of a fragment of the tibia to which the patellar ligament is attached. Inflammation forms within the tuberosity. The bone repairs over time, but the reminder of the damage is the enlargement of the tuberosity and soreness in the area.
Who can be suspected of Osgood Schlatter’s disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease should be suspected in a physically active child who complains of pain in the upper part of the lower leg – especially if it is particularly severe during exercise, jumping while playing volleyball or basketball, cycling, when he kneels or touches his leg below the knee. The thickening of this area is also worrying. If the parents do not see their child in good time, the inflammation may spread to larger bone fragments and cause a painful lump below the knee.
Osgood Schlatter’s disease – prompt diagnosis and necessary treatment
The basis for the diagnosis of Osgood Schlatter’s disease is the symptoms and x-ray examination of the tibia. Treatment consists in limiting physical activity – even up to 3 months – it is a necessary recommendation. Such a break allows the bone fracture to heal. Special bands and orthoses can be used to limit the bending of the leg at the knee joint. If this does not work, it may be necessary to put the leg in a plaster and hold it in this way for 3-4 weeks. Painkillers, physiotherapy treatments and ice packs in the affected area are used to relieve pain. Surgical procedures are performed only in exceptional circumstances.
Does Osgood Schlatter’s disease leave a memory?
Despite the healing of the fracture and the pain relief, the reminder of Osgood Schlatter’s disease is a thickening and changes in the shape of the upper tibia area.
Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur
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