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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause a painful lump below the kneecap in children 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 one in five 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.
- DeLee JC, et al. Osgood-Schlatter disease. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116712524-3/792345253/1103/929.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-8845-4..50030-2--cesec250_3760. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Kienstra AJ, et al. Osgood-Schlatter disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 16, 2009.
