Author(s): Samuel N. Uwaezuoke, Nneka I Iloanus, Henrietta. U. Okafor
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease remains the most frequent cause of chronic knee pain in preadolescent and adolescent children although it is an uncommon disorder whose incidence is generally unknown. We report a 14 year-old Nigerian male adolescent who presented with a 3- year history of recurrent pain both knee joints- not associated with fever, swelling or limitation of ambulation. He was noted to be involved in sporting activity while domiciled in school. The diagnosis was missed at first contact at the orthopaedic clinic. Plain radiograph of the knee joints showed features in keeping with bilateral tibial osteochondrosis with right tibial tubercle fragmentation which suggest Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. A high index of suspicion for this disease is advised for any adolescent with chronic knee pain –especially in the absence of additional symptoms and signs