Osgood-Schlatter disease

Alternative names:

osteochondrosis

Definition:

A painful swelling of the bump on the front of the tibia (anterior tibial tubercle).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The disease probably results from microtrauma (small, usually unnoticed injuries caused by repetitive overuse) before the complete maturity of the anterior tibial tubercle attachment.

The disorder is typified by a painful swelling just below the knee on the front (anterior) surface of the lower leg bone (tibia). The area is tender to pressure and swelling may be minimal to very marked. Running, jumping, and climbing stairs cause discomfort. Symptoms occur on one or both legs. The disorder is seen most often in active, athletic adolescents, boys being more often affected than girls.