What are the causes of tibial tubercle inflammation? Examination and treatment of tibial tubercle

Tibial tubercle inflammation refers to the appearance of nodules and small lumps on the shin bones. It is also called tibial tubercle osteochondrosis. It is generally caused by abnormal development of the epiphysis and is more common in boys in their growth period, especially boys who love sports. After being diagnosed with tibial tubercle inflammation, patients should actively cooperate with doctors for appropriate examinations and treatments. Next, I will introduce the causes, examinations and treatments of tibial tubercle inflammation.

Introduction:

Tibial tubercle epiphysisitis, also known as tibial tubercle osteochondrosis, tibial tubercle osteochondritis, and aseptic necrosis of tibial tubercle epiphysis. Judging from the naming of various etiologies, there is no unified understanding of its cause and pathological nature. Foreign literature often calls it Osgood-Schlatter disease, which was reported by Osgood and Schlatter at the same time in 1903.

Causes

It is generally believed that the tibial tuberosity epiphysis is the result of acute or repeated chronic injury under the traction of the patellar tendon. The epiphysis is the center of bone development during growth, and the tibial tubercle epiphysis is located on the proximal, anterior side of the tibia, at the attachment point of the quadriceps patellar tendon. Epiphysisitis in many parts of the body almost always occurs during the development and growth period. Abnormal epiphysis development should be the basis for the onset of epiphysisitis and epiphyseal osteochondrosis.

Clinical manifestations

It is common in boys aged 11 to 15 during puberty, most of whom are those who have accelerated development and like sports, and may have a history of strenuous exercise or trauma. Pain in the tibial tuberosity, worsened by activity. The tibial tubercle may be locally swollen, tender, or even red and hot. The pain is aggravated by active knee extension, passive knee flexion or squatting, and is caused by the patellar tendon pulling the epiphysis.

examine

X-ray manifestations: Tangential position of the tibial tubercle shows swelling of the covering soft tissue, thickening of the patellar tendon, and bulging of the epiphysis. There is uneven ossification, and there may be raised bone fragments or free bone fragments. The free bone fragments do not heal for a long time, but the symptoms can be completely eliminated. MRI may show patellar tendinitis or visualize the infrapatellar bursa.

treat

The disease is self-limiting, meaning it heals on its own without the need for medication. Patients are only advised to rest, limit knee joint activity, avoid running, jumping, and walking for long periods of time. If the attack is acute, external fixation with plaster can be used. Although local blockade with glucocorticoids can quickly relieve pain, it can cause tissue degeneration and necrosis and spontaneous rupture of the patellar tendon, and is not recommended for use.