Ask the Docs | More Patient Questions

Ask the Docs

Posted November 3, 2009

Patient Question:

My son is a 15-year-old ninth grader who has experienced Osgood-Schlatter Disease for a couple of years. Lately, the condition seems to be getting worse. Can this be treated? Is it something that he will eventually grow out of?

Dr. Jeffrey Mjaanes:

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a common problem for growing, young athletes. Boys are usually affected between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. The problem is irritation and inflammation at an accessory growth plate on the tibial tuberosity, the site on the upper-end of the shin bone where the patellar tendon off the kneecap is attached. The pain often worsens with activity and eases with rest.

Dr. Mjaanes

Treatment Options:

OSD is simply painful and rarely causes long-term problems. The other good news: it does not affect growth of the bone and is self-limiting. OSD usually disappears around 15-1/2 to 16 years of age in boys, when the growth plate fuses and turns to solid bone. At 15, your son could still have active OSD although other conditions such as patellar tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) could also be playing a role. A thorough exam and an x-ray by a pediatric sports medicine physician could help answer the question.

For more information about Dr. Mjaanes and the sports medicine physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877 MD BONES or visit them online at www.rushortho.com.

The information contained on this page is intended only for general public education, and is not intended to serve as a substitute for direct medical advice. This information should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified orthopaedic physician.

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