Inflammation of the anterior and superior part of the tibia, where the tendon that comes from the kneecap inserts. 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 during 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 of the patient and examination of the area. An X-ray of the knee may reveal a tibial spine lesion, but in many cases the clinical picture 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 prevent leg propping. Severe cases may require surgery.
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