Ayurvedic approach to Osgood Schlatter disease: A case report

Abstract

Osgood Schlatter disease (OSD) is an inflammatory injury of the growth plate on the tibia just below the level of the knee at the tibial tubercle. The tibial tubercle is the bony attachment of the quadriceps (front thigh muscle). Contraction of the quadriceps results primarily in straightening of the leg at the level of the knee. A growth plate is an area of developing tissue near the ends of long bones or areas of muscle attachment. The growth plate in children allows the bones to expand in length thus allowing a child to reach his/her full height by the age of 16-19years. Compared to the surrounding bones and muscles, the growth plate serves as a weak point. Thus, repetitive pulling on a growth plate, especially from a larger powerful muscle like the quadriceps, can result in injury to the growth plate and subsequent pain. Pain is usually worse during or just after activity, and tends to improve with rest. It is commonly seen in growing, active adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 years. In this article, a case of 14 years old boy diagnosed as Osgood Schlatter treated with Panchakarma and oral medicines. Encouraging results were observed in the form of reduction in pain and range of movements.