Differential Diagnosis for Pain under the Tibial Tuberosity
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Osgood-Schlatter disease: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon at its insertion on the tibial tuberosity, leading to pain and swelling in the area. It is commonly seen in adolescents during growth spurts, especially those involved in sports.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Patellar tendinopathy: Also known as jumper's knee, this condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which can cause pain under the tibial tuberosity.
- Tibial tuberosity apophysitis: Similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease but less severe, it involves inflammation of the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity.
- Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome: This condition affects the patellar tendon at its origin on the inferior pole of the patella, but can sometimes refer pain to the area under the tibial tuberosity.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Tibial stress fracture: Although less common, a stress fracture of the tibia can present with pain in the area of the tibial tuberosity and is crucial to diagnose to prevent further complications.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Infections of the bone or joint can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention to prevent serious outcomes.
- Tumor (e.g., osteosarcoma): Although rare, bone tumors can present with pain and swelling in the affected area and are critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Binding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome variant: A rare variant of the condition affecting different parts of the knee.
- Hoffa's fat pad syndrome: Inflammation of the infrapatellar fat pad can cause pain in the front of the knee, including under the tibial tuberosity, though it's less common.
- Ganglion cysts: These are benign lumps that can develop on the tendon or joint and cause pain, though they are less frequently found under the tibial tuberosity.