Results of surgical treatment of unresolved Osgood-Schlatter lesion

Background and Aims: We present our experience with surgical treatment of u nresolved, painful, late Osgood-Schlatter disease. Material and Methods: In 70 operations performed in 67 patients tin three b ilaterally) an ossicle under the distal patellar tendon was removed in 62 c ases. In eight cases, excision of the prominent tibial tubercle and/or dril ling of the epiphysis was performed. Additional procedures, such as rasping of the uneven anterior tibial surface, excision of inflammed bursa or the devitalized portion of the tendon, were done 21 times. Most patients were a thletes or physically active young people. The mean age was 19.6 years. 54 operations were done on males and 16 on females. They had been followed pre operatively for 18 months and after surgery 2.2 years. Results: The final results were excellent or good in 56, moderate in 9, poo r in 3 and unknown in 2 cases. Conclusions: Osgood-Schlatter's disease may leave an ossicle under the dist al patellar tendon, a prominent tibial tubercle or an uneven surface of ant erior superior tibia. These may lead to pain and disability due to recurren t injuries or athletic exercises. Surgical treatment gives good results in chronic unresolved cases.