A traction apophysitis is a condition where excessive pull on a tendon attachment creates an area of inflammation on the bony bump (apophysis) where the tendon attaches.
Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Osgood Schlatter's disorder
A common example of traction apophysitis is Osgood Schlatter's disorder in young people.
It leads to a big bump on the upper part of the shin in youngsters who are keen on jumping sports.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"Apophyses are the normal bony outgrowths that arise from separate ossification centers which later fuse. The apophysis is a site of tendon or ligament attachment...."
Citation: Malherbe K. Traction apophysitis of the knee: A case report. Radiol Case Rep. 2018 Oct 4;14(1):18-21. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2018.09.012. PMID: 30305859; PMCID: PMC6174839.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"Even though the disorder is benign, the recovery can be prolonged and cause absence from sports. The onset of the disorder is gradual and commonly associated with repetitive activities of the knee."
Citation: Smith JM, Varacallo M. Osgood-Schlatter Disease. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441995/.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease is another traction disorder, but affecting the lower tip of the patella.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"Conventional radiographs are frequently reported with no significant findings in the acute setting, leading to....[high frequency]....ultrasound as the modality of choice ....[to]....visualize structural changes of the infrapatellar tendon such as increased echogenicity of the affected tendon fibers, thickening, calcification as well as neovascularity"
Citation: Malherbe K. Traction apophysitis of the knee: A case report. Radiol Case Rep. 2018 Oct 4;14(1):18-21. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2018.09.012. PMID: 30305859; PMCID: PMC6174839.
Forum discussions
- Re: 2nd Acl - Allograft on 30/10
Pre-existing Osgood Schlatter's disorder causing an issue with patellar-tendon graft harvest.
2017 -