Osteochondroma of tibial tuberosity in a young soccer player mimicking an Osgood-Schlatter disease: A case report and literature review

TL;DR

A 9-year-old soccer player had knee pain initially thought to be Osgood-Schlatter disease, but it was actually an osteochondroma, which was managed conservatively.

Contribution

This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to differentiate osteochondroma from common pediatric knee conditions.

Findings

The patient's symptoms were caused by an osteochondroma, not Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Conservative treatment led to symptom resolution and return to sports.

Radiological monitoring is sufficient for managing this type of lesion in asymptomatic cases.

Abstract

We report a case of a 9-year-old male with anterior knee pain and swelling associated with physical activity. The orthopedic surgeon suspected Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. X-ray and MRI showed an osteochondroma of the tibial tuberosity. The patellar tendon partially inserted on the osteochondroma and the tibial tubercle, causing pain associated with physical activity. We chose a conservative management with temporary rest, local application of ice and NSAIDs. After a few weeks, the boy returned to regular training without pain and our final recommendation was only radiological monitoring of the lesion over the time.

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