⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Tibial Apophysitis)
🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common cause of adolescent knee pain – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical practice.
🧠 Key Learning Points
📌 Definition
• A self-limiting inflammatory condition affecting the tibial tuberosity, typically in active adolescents during growth spurts.
📌 Causes & Risk Factors
• Repetitive stress on the patellar tendon (e.g. running, jumping, kneeling)
• Sports like football, gymnastics, basketball
• Rapid growth during adolescence
🧠 Mnemonic: “GROW FAST” – Growth spurt, Running, Overuse, Weak ossification → Front knee Ache in Sports-Teens
📌 Pathophysiology
• Traction at the patellar tendon insertion → microtrauma of cartilage at tibial tuberosity
• Repeated strain → inflammation + potential small avulsion injuries
• Body’s repair response can lead to a bony lump
📌 Symptoms
• Localised anterior knee pain worsened by activity
• Swelling over tibial tuberosity
• Visible or palpable bony bump
• Pain improves with rest
🧠 Think: “Teen + Sports + Knee Lump”
📌 Differential Diagnosis
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Ligament injuries
• Hip pathology (referred pain)
• Other paediatric knee causes
📌 Diagnosis
• Clinical diagnosis based on typical history + exam
• X-rays: not always required; used if atypical or unclear
• May show fragmentation or irregular ossification of tibial tuberosity
🧠 Tip: Always examine the hip to rule out referred pain!
📌 Management
• Conservative: rest, ice, activity modification
• Simple analgesia: paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Physiotherapy: quad/hamstring stretching, strength work
• Supportive devices: straps or braces (if needed)
• Steroid injections are not recommended
• Rare surgery: only for refractory cases or complications
🧠 Mnemonic: “RIPE KNEE” – Rest, Ice, Pain relief, Exercise (physio), KNEE support
📌 Complications
• Persistent bony prominence
• Chronic tenderness when kneeling
• Rarely: surgery if symptoms persist post-growth
📌 Prognosis
• 🌟 Excellent – symptoms typically resolve once growth plates close
• 50% recover in 1–2 years
• Bony lump may remain but function is usually normal
📎 More MSRA Resources for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
📝 Revision Notes:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/osgood-schlatter-disease-tibial-apophysitis-revision-notes/
🧠 Flashcards:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/osgood-schlatter-disease-tibial-apophysitis-flashcards/
💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/osgood-schlatter-disease-tibial-apophysitis-accordion-qa-notes/
🚀 Rapid Quiz:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/osgood-schlatter-disease-tibial-apophysitis-rapid-quiz/
🎓 Full Course:
https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/
#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Paediatrics #OsgoodSchlatterDisease
