Osgood Schlatter syndrome

Osgood Schlatter syndrome is the most common cause of pain at the front of the knee in active young adolescents, especially during a growth spurt.

Symptoms are typically exacerbated with sporting activities that involve running or jumping (basketball, volleyball, football) and/or on direct contact (e.g. kneeling).

Osgood Schlatter syndrome is a condition in which excessive pulling on the bony bump (tibial tuberosity) below the knee cap by the front thigh (quadriceps) muscles leads to micro-fractures and various degrees of separation of the bumps’ growth plate, which has not yet fused with the underlying leg bone (tibia).

It effects only one knee in around 70% of patients. Management and treatment involves modification of loading on the knee, including addressing muscle imbalances.