Osgood-Schlatter disease

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing area of pain in Osgood-Schlatter disease Osgood-Schlatter disease

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Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause a painful lump below the kneecap in children and adolescents experiencing growth spurts during puberty. Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs most often in children who participate in sports that involve running, jumping and swift changes of direction — such as soccer, basketball, figure skating and ballet.

While Osgood-Schlatter disease is more common in boys, the gender gap is narrowing as more girls become involved with sports. Osgood-Schlatter disease affects as many as 1 in 5 adolescent athletes.

Age ranges differ by sex because girls experience puberty earlier than do boys. Osgood-Schlatter disease typically occurs in boys ages 13 to 14 and girls ages 11 to 12. The condition usually resolves on its own, once the child's bones stop growing.

Symptoms
References
  1. Moutzouros V, et al. Osteochondroses. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1111724571&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00022-1--sc2&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00022-1--s0125&uniqId=234606866-3. Accessed Feb. 1, 2011.
  2. Mercier LR. Osgood-Schlatter disease. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1111724571&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00024-X--sc0055&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00024-X--sc0055&uniqId=234606866-3. Accessed Feb. 1, 2011.
  3. Kienstra AJ, et al. Osgood-Schlatter disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 1, 2011.
  4. Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 6, 2011.
DS00392 March 19, 2011

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