Authors :
Krittika Pal; Swetali Patro
Volume/Issue :
ICVDRS 2026
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/bddr2976
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/55sd9j7d
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1591
Abstract :
Background:
Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common overuse-related traction apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity,
predominantly seen in adolescent athletes during periods of rapid growth. Despite its high prevalence, evidence guiding
specific physiotherapeutic interventions, exercise dosage, and progression criteria remains limited and heterogeneous.
Objective:
To document the physiotherapeutic assessment and short-term management of a bilateral Stage II OSD case in an
adolescent athlete and to highlight existing gaps in physiotherapy-focused research.
Case Presentation:
A 13-year-old male student and recreational athlete presented with bilateral infrapatellar and tibial tuberosity pain
of 6–7 months’ duration, more pronounced on the left side, leading to reduced sports participation. Clinical examination
revealed swelling and prominence of the tibial tuberosity, increased Q-angle with bayonet sign due to proximal tibia vara,
bilateral patellar lateral maltracking, hamstring and gastro-soleus tightness, impaired proprioception, and early-stage
genu recurvatum. Gait assessment demonstrated a mild antalgic pattern pre-intervention. Radiographic evaluation
confirmed bilateral Stage II OSD with apophyseal irregularity and partial separation of the tibial tuberosity.
Intervention:
An individualized physiotherapy program was initiated, focusing on pain management, activity modification,
targeted stretching of tight musculature, progressive quadriceps strengthening, patellar alignment strategies,
proprioceptive training, and gait re-education. The intervention was delivered over three consecutive days with continuous
reassessment.
Results:
Post-intervention assessment demonstrated a reduction in pain intensity, improvement in gait pattern, and enhanced
functional tolerance during daily and sports-related activities.
Conclusion:
This case supports the effectiveness of individualized physiotherapeutic management in reducing symptoms and
improving function in adolescents with OSD. However, the absence of standardized physiotherapy protocols, limited highquality controlled trials, and lack of long-term outcome data represent significant research gaps. Further well-designed
studies are needed to establish evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for OSD.
Keywords :
Adolescent Athlete; Anterior Knee Pain; Osgood–Schlatter Disease; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation.
Background:
Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common overuse-related traction apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity,
predominantly seen in adolescent athletes during periods of rapid growth. Despite its high prevalence, evidence guiding
specific physiotherapeutic interventions, exercise dosage, and progression criteria remains limited and heterogeneous.
Objective:
To document the physiotherapeutic assessment and short-term management of a bilateral Stage II OSD case in an
adolescent athlete and to highlight existing gaps in physiotherapy-focused research.
Case Presentation:
A 13-year-old male student and recreational athlete presented with bilateral infrapatellar and tibial tuberosity pain
of 6–7 months’ duration, more pronounced on the left side, leading to reduced sports participation. Clinical examination
revealed swelling and prominence of the tibial tuberosity, increased Q-angle with bayonet sign due to proximal tibia vara,
bilateral patellar lateral maltracking, hamstring and gastro-soleus tightness, impaired proprioception, and early-stage
genu recurvatum. Gait assessment demonstrated a mild antalgic pattern pre-intervention. Radiographic evaluation
confirmed bilateral Stage II OSD with apophyseal irregularity and partial separation of the tibial tuberosity.
Intervention:
An individualized physiotherapy program was initiated, focusing on pain management, activity modification,
targeted stretching of tight musculature, progressive quadriceps strengthening, patellar alignment strategies,
proprioceptive training, and gait re-education. The intervention was delivered over three consecutive days with continuous
reassessment.
Results:
Post-intervention assessment demonstrated a reduction in pain intensity, improvement in gait pattern, and enhanced
functional tolerance during daily and sports-related activities.
Conclusion:
This case supports the effectiveness of individualized physiotherapeutic management in reducing symptoms and
improving function in adolescents with OSD. However, the absence of standardized physiotherapy protocols, limited highquality controlled trials, and lack of long-term outcome data represent significant research gaps. Further well-designed
studies are needed to establish evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for OSD.
Keywords :
Adolescent Athlete; Anterior Knee Pain; Osgood–Schlatter Disease; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation.
