It is an inflammation of the anterior and superior part of the tibia, where the tendon that comes from the patella is inserted. It usually occurs in athletic adolescents and affects both knees in more than 25% of cases.
It is due to repeated overloading of the growth plate of the tibia when running or jumping.
It manifests with pain and swelling just below the knee, on the anterior aspect of the tibia. The pain is characteristically worse with exercise such as stair climbing, running or jumping.
It is diagnosed by clinical questioning and examination of the area. If an X-ray of the knee is made, a lesion in the tibial spine can be appreciated; but in many cases the image is normal.
It resolves once the growth plate solidifies. Treatment is based on rest and analgesia. Rarely, a brace or splint may be needed to keep the leg from propping up. Severe cases may require surgery.
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