While looking for the epidemiology of Osgood Schlatter disease, it can be said it is a pretty common disease as compared to other orthopedic problems found in the younger age group. Thorough epidemiological data is not available on this condition but according to a study published, nearly 4 % of all the individuals are liable to suffer from this condition at least once in the lifetime considering any age group.(1)
Since the condition is much more prevalent in children as well as adolescents as compared to adults because it occurs before the maturation of the secondary ossification center of the tibia which commonly occurs by the age of 15 – 18 years.
Enough data has been compiled in the case of athletes for this disease because it has a high prevalence in athletes and professional players of stressful sports in the young age group. According to a study, the incidence of the athletes suffering from Osgood schlatter disease is about 21 % as compared to 4.5 % in non-athletes. Some places have also given this percentage store near about 15%.
In a study conducted on the patients who have undergone magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of the condition, nearly 50% of the individuals have given a history of repetitive and precipitating trauma in the past due to stressful activities as well as sports events.
While comparing the condition in different sexes, it is found that Osgood schlatter disease has more male predilection with the ratio favoring to 3: 1 and in some places, it is also 7: 1. The age group concerned with the development of this condition also varies in males and females.
Girls are likely to be suffering from this condition before the age of 12 years with a range of 8 to 11 years. Whereas boys are likely to suffer before the age of 15 years with a range of 12 to 14 years.(2) This variation is due to the difference in the ages of development of secondary ossification center at the tibial tuberosity in males and females.
Being such a common disease, there is a good thing about it that the prognosis is excellent. According to the study published by Krause et al, nearly 90% of the cases get corrected with some conservative care and rest from stressful activities like jumping, running, etc. for about 1 year.
Another good thing about its prognosis is that the tibial tuberosity gets ossified by the age of 15 – 16 years which will make the treatment even better and decrease the possibility of complications. Only about 10 % of the cases of Osgood schlatter disease get converted into chronic pain syndromes of the knee and less than 1 % of cases suffer from a permanent disability as its complication.
Conclusion
Osgood schlatter disease is an inflammatory condition generated due to exercising and stressful events involving the pulling of patellar ligament repetitively, injuring it at the base of its insertion at the tibial tuberosity. The condition is pretty common in athletics young individuals, especially involved in professional sports because the movement is very common in such individuals. Also, the lesser flexibility and stretchability of the quadriceps and hamstrings are responsible commonly seen in athletes not performing adequate stretching exercises. It can increase the amount of stress level on the patellar ligament resulting in an injury known as Osgood schlatter disease.
Nearly 90% of the individuals get cured automatically with conservative treatment and about 99% of the individuals remain complication-free for the whole life. Very few individuals numbering less than 1% suffering from this condition get into the phase of complications. Early reporting and diagnosis are the keys to the essential cure of this condition.
Also Read:
- Exercises for Patellar Tendonitis or Jumper’s Knee
- Patellar Tendinitis or Jumper’s Knee: Symptoms, Grades, Treatment- Knee Support
- Recovery Period & Yoga Poses for Patellar Tendonitis or Jumper’s Knee
- How To Diagnose Osgood Schlatter & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
- Are Knee Braces Of Any Help For Osgood-Schlatter?
- What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Know its Symptoms, Treatment
- How Long Does It Take For Osgood Schlatter To Go Away?
- Can Osgood Schlatter Cause Problems Later In Life & Does It Require Surgery?
- Can You Play Sports With Osgood Schlatter Disease & Coping Methods For It?
- Does A Knee Brace Help Osgood Schlatter & Can You Squat When You Have It?
- Is Osgood Schlatter Disease Genetic & Does Osgood Schlatter’s Mean I Am Still Growing?
