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Gym Coach, Vol 2, August, 2008: Pages 39-45

 

A look at the pathophysiology and rehabilitation of Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome

Valentin Uzunov


ABSTRACT

Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome is childhood prone condition known as an Osteochondrosis. This condition tends to effect young athletes participating in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping, such as, soccer, track and field, dance and gymnastics. It tends to manifests itself in boys between 10-15yrs and 8-13yr girls, usually a time of peak height velocity. The common signs and symptoms are local pain, swelling and tenderness over the tibial tuberosity on the dominant leg, which makes participation in sport painful. The condition is self-limiting without complication if sporting activity is stopped and conservative treatment sought. However this presents serious limitations for serious athletes who must continue to training. This article aims to educate coaches on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment options of the condition, as well as well discuss the injury prevention and rehabilitation recommendations. It is believed that an appropriate understanding of this condition by coaches is important in order to be able to effectively implement preventative measures in their training programs, make appropriate recommendations to athletes, and work closely and effectively with health allies (like physiotherapists, GP, pediatricians) and parentsto be able to reduce losses in training time due to OSS.

 

Key Words: Osgood-Schlatter Disease, injury prevention, overuse injury, knee injury

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