Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Review of Literature and Physical Therapy Management

Abstract

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle, the weakest link of the extensor mechanism of the adolescent. Conventional medical treatment includes plaster casting, injections of various anti-inflammatories, and surgical removal of painful ossicles in resistant cases. While not a very common condition, Osgood-Schlatter disease is being seen with increasing frequency in teenage athletes, especially basketball players (Antich, Lombardo, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 7: 1-4, 1985.) With a focus on muscular tightness as a possible causative factor, physical therapy evaluation is outlined, followed by techniques for pain control and stretching exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings. Ice massage is advocated as a way for the athlete to treat postexertional discomfort in the area of the tubercle. The patient and his or her parents must be assured that while residual deformity may remain, disappearance of symptoms coinciding with closure of the apophyseal plate is often the end result.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1985;7(1):5-10.