DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
PT IMPLICATIONS
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- Osgood Schlatters, also known as “jumper’s knee” is a condition that involves inflammation of the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity. It usually caused by repeated contraction of the quadriceps, transmitting through the patellar tendon on to immature tuberosity. This repetitive loaded knee flexion can result in an avulsion fracture along with inflammation of the patellar tendon and/or excessive bone growth at the tibial tuberosity. Osgood Schlatters is more prevalent in males and is typically seen between the age of 11-15. Osgood Schlatters is most common in sports that include components of running, twisting, and jumping.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Gradual onset of pain and swelling of the tibial tubercle.
- Reproduction of pain with resisted knee extension.
- Pain is usually worst with exercise and better with rest.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Palpation to tibial tuberosity
- The exact anatomical location of pain and inflammation can be used to differential diagnosis between Sindig Larson Johansson Syndrome and Osgood schlatters. For Sindig Larson Johansson Syndrome, the patient will report pain at the inferior margin of the patella and patellar tendon and will present with swelling in the the inferior margin of the patellar and/or the patellar tendon. For Osgood Schlatters, the patient will report pain primarily at the tibial tuberosity and will present with swelling more localized to the tibial tuberosity.
- Resisted knee extension
- Imaging
- imaging is usually conducted to exclude fracture or bony tumors.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound can be utilized to evaluate soft tissue, tendons and non-calified cartilage
PT IMPLICATIONS
- 90% of patients respond to non-surgical conservative treatment
- Acute stage:
- Rest, Ice, NSAIDs, and Quadricep strengthening exercises
- Subacute/chronic stage:
- Strengthen Lower extremity musculature with the emphasis of eccentric strengthening
- Lengthen shorten muscles
- Patient education: Teach the patient how to land softly. Look at functional movements like step down and orientation of their knee.
- Orthotics
- If symptoms persist for more than 6 to 8 weeks with conservative treatment, an orthopedic consultation is reccommended.
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