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Osgood-Schlatter's disease - Background information
What is it?
- Osgood–Schlatter's disease is a self-limiting disorder of the tibial tuberosity caused by multiple small avulsion fractures within the ossification centre (apophysis) during adolescence.
- These small avulsion fractures are caused by traction of the patella tendon on the tibial tuberosity during forceful contractions of the quadriceps muscles.
- They develop during the adolescent growth spurt before the tibial tuberosity has completed ossification. At this time, the development of quadriceps strength, particularly in adolescents participating in sports that involve running and jumping, may exceed the ability of the tibial tuberosity to resist these forces.
- Healing and growth of avulsed fragments produces enlargement of the tibial tubercle that may range from minimal to marked depending on the severity and frequency of injury.
- Bony fragments, known as ossicles, may occur in people with more severe Osgood–Schlatter's disease. They develop from avulsed fragments that fail to reunite properly with the apophysis despite healing.
- Both knees are affected in up to 30% of people with the condition.
[Gholve et al, 2007]
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