Age of Onset for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease can be diagnosed as early as age 8 years, with peak incidence occurring at age 12 in boys and age 11 in girls. 1, 2
Typical Age Range for Diagnosis
- Boys typically present between ages 12-15 years, with peak incidence at age 12 1, 2
- Girls typically present between ages 8-12 years, with peak incidence at age 11 1, 2
- The condition primarily affects children and adolescents aged 8-18 years who are sports-active 2
Why This Age Range?
The timing of Osgood-Schlatter disease corresponds directly to periods of rapid skeletal growth when the tibial tuberosity apophysis (secondary ossification center) is still open and vulnerable to traction forces. 1, 3
- The disease occurs during active growth phases when repetitive strain on the tibial tubercle from quadriceps contraction causes traction apophysitis 1, 4
- Earlier presentation in girls reflects their earlier skeletal maturation compared to boys 1
- The condition is self-limiting and resolves with closure of the tibial growth plate, typically by late adolescence 1, 3
Contemporary Trends
Recent evidence suggests no significant sex difference in incidence anymore, likely due to increased participation of young females in high-impact sports activities. 4 The overall incidence is approximately 3.8 per 1000 person-years in children aged 8-18 years, though boys still show slightly higher rates (4.9 per 1000) compared to girls (2.7 per 1000). 2
Clinical Recognition
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on characteristic anterior knee pain, swelling, and tenderness localized over the tibial tuberosity in a growing child participating in jumping or running sports. 1, 3 Radiographic changes may show irregularity and fragmentation of the apophysis, but imaging is not required for diagnosis in typical presentations. 1