Video - Osgood-Schlatter disease (traction apophysitis)

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common condition that affects the knee in adolescents, typically during the growth spurt that occurs just before puberty. It is caused by repetitive traction of the patella ligament on the tibial tuberosity, causing it to become inflamed, which results in a painful swelling just under the knee.

People with Osgood-Schlatter disease with a palpable lump below the knee, which gets very painful with physical activities like running, jumping, squatting, and especially when going up or down stairs, or when the knee gets hit by something. The treatment consists of reducing physical activity and applying ice to the tuberosity to reduce swelling, as well as pain medication. Rarely, surgery may be necessary, especially if fragmented bones have avulsed off, and get trapped within the patella ligament.