Differential Diagnosis for 13 yo Male Basketball Player with Right Knee Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Osgood-Schlatter disease: This condition is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness below the knee, specifically at the tibial tuberosity, which is the site where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. It is common in adolescents, especially during growth spurts, and is often associated with activities that involve running, jumping, and quick changes of direction, such as basketball. The symptoms described, including tenderness to palpation and mild edema along the right tibial tuberosity, and pain worsening with jumping, are classic for Osgood-Schlatter disease.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper's knee): This condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It is common in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball. Symptoms include pain in the front of the knee, usually just below the kneecap, which worsens with jumping or running.
- Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome: This is a condition similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease but affects the upper end of the patellar tendon where it attaches to the kneecap. It causes knee pain and swelling just below the kneecap and is also related to overuse or repetitive strain from activities like jumping.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Tumor (e.g., osteosarcoma): Although rare, bone tumors can present with pain and swelling. It's crucial to consider this possibility, especially if the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by systemic symptoms like weight loss or fever.
- Infection (septic arthritis or osteomyelitis): Infections in the bone or joint can cause pain, swelling, and redness. These conditions are medical emergencies and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Binding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome variant: While not entirely different from Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome, some sources may categorize variations in presentation or location as distinct entities.
- Stress fracture: Although less common in the tibial tuberosity area, stress fractures can occur due to overuse and repetitive stress on the bone. They might present with pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.