Results of surgical treatment of unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults.

Osgood-Schlatter is a common disease with most cases resolving spontaneously with skeletal maturity. Adults with continued symptoms may need surgical treatment if they fail to respond to conservative measures. The purpose of this study is to describe the pathological lesions, our surgical technique, and the results of our surgical treatment of Osgood Schlatter disease in adults. Thirty-five adult patients (37 knees) had surgery for unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease. Three patients were lost for follow-up. An incision over the anterolateral aspect of the patellar tendon was used. Direct anterior incisions were avoided to decrease postoperative pain with kneeling. The patellar tendon was reflected medially, and the ossicle was removed from the posterior surface of the tendon. A tibial tuberosity reduction osteotomy was done in 29 cases (85%). A beak of the distal part of the tibial tubercle was found in 24 cases (71%) with impingement of the patellar ligament. Thirty-one knees (91%) had complete resolution of preoperative pain. There was one case of painful scar. This surgical technique for treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults is effective and safe especially for those who have the habit of frequent kneeling.