Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which condition is characterized by bilateral pain over the tibial tuberosity in a young athlete?

1. Chondromalacia patella

2. Left knee sprain

3. Osgood-Schlatter disease

4. Tear of the medial ligament

The correct answer is: Osgood-Schlatter disease

The condition characterized by bilateral pain over the tibial tuberosity in a young athlete is Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition frequently occurs during periods of rapid growth, particularly in adolescents engaged in sports that involve running and jumping. The pain arises due to inflammation of the patellar tendon at its insertion point on the tibial tuberosity, which is a bony prominence located below the knee. In young athletes, repetitive stress and strain from physical activities can lead to irritation and micro-trauma at this growth plate, resulting in pain that is often bilateral. Symptoms typically include tenderness, swelling, and pain during activities such as climbing stairs or kneeling. Understanding the age range and activity levels associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease helps distinguish it from other conditions. For instance, chondromalacia patella usually presents with anterior knee pain but is not typically bilateral and occurs in slightly older populations. A left knee sprain refers to an acute injury that would not usually present bilaterally and would typically be localized to the injured knee. A tear of the medial ligament might result in localized pain and swelling but does not specifically cause bilateral pain at the tibial tuberosity. Thus, recognizing the specific symptoms and demographics associated with