What are the diagnostic criteria for Osgood-Schlatter disease?

From the Research

Diagnostic Criteria for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

The diagnostic criteria for Osgood-Schlatter disease are based on clinical and radiographic examination 1. The key features of the disease include:

• Painful alterations around the tibial tuberosity apophysis 2
• Locally painful alterations around the tibial tuberosity apophysis 3
• Pain localized to the anterior aspect of the proximal tibia over the tibial tuberosity 4
• A dull ache exacerbated by jumping or stair climbing 4
• Radiological evaluation may indicate superficial ossicle in the patellar tendon 4

Clinical Examination

Clinical examination is sufficient for diagnosis, and imaging is only necessary in case of suspected concurrent origin 3. The clinical examination may reveal:

• Tenderness over the tibial tuberosity
• Swelling in the affected area
• Pain on kneeling or forceful use of the knee joint

Radiographic Examination

Radiographic examination may show:

• Superficial ossicle in the patellar tendon 4
• Enchondral ossification 5
• Heterotopic ossification in the patellar ligament (which should be differentiated from Osgood-Schlatter disease) 5