Evaluation of Muscle Tightness of Muscles of the Lower Limb in Osgood-Schlatter Disease

There has been less consideration regarding the role of lower limb muscles in Osgood -Schlatter (OS) disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tightness of the quadriceps, hamstring and grasterosoleous muscles in OS disease. Fifty four child and adolescents with 69 knees affecting with OS disease were prospectively evaluate over a 3-year period (2001-2004). Ouadricepes, hamstring and gastrosoleus muscles were examined by clinical tests of Elay tripod, and passive foot dorsiflexion in knee extension respectively, for tightness and contracture. Tightness of the quadriceps, hamestring and gasterosoleus muscles were noted in 31, 19 and 10 the knees respectively. In 9 other knees the muscles were in normal condition. The tightness of the lower limb muscles may be a predisposing factor to develop Osgood-Schlatter disease. The stretching exercise of these muscles can be considered as a therapeutic method in this disease.