Osgood-Schlatter disease /-shlat″ər/ [Robert B. Osgood, American surgeon, 1873–1956; Carl Schlatter, Swiss surgeon, 1864–1934] , inflammation or partial separation of the tibial tubercle caused by chronic irritation, usually as a result of overuse of the quadriceps muscle. The condition is seen primarily in muscular, athletic adolescent boys and is characterized by swelling and tenderness over the tibial tubercle that increase with exercise or any activity that extends the leg. Treatment consists primarily of preventing further irritation during the healing process, which may necessitate complete immobilization of the knee in a cast. Any residual nonunion of a proximal fragment after healing may require surgical excision. Also called Osgood’s disease, Schlatter-Osgood disease, Schlatter’s disease.
