College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which condition is indicated by a prominent tibial tuberosity in a 13-year-old basketball player experiencing knee pain?

1. Patellar tendinitis

2. Osgood-Schlatter disease

3. Anterior cruciate ligament tear

4. Patellofemoral pain syndrome

The correct answer is: Osgood-Schlatter disease

The presence of a prominent tibial tuberosity in a 13-year-old basketball player who is experiencing knee pain is characteristic of Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition arises from repetitive stress on the knee, particularly during growth spurts when the bones, tendons, and muscles are developing rapidly. Adolescents, particularly those involved in sports like basketball that require jumping and running, often experience this condition due to overuse and traction on the patellar tendon. In Osgood-Schlatter disease, the pull of the quadriceps muscle through the patellar tendon can cause irritation and inflammation at the growth plate (tibial tuberosity) where the tendon attaches. This leads to the bony prominence observed. Other conditions like patellar tendinitis, an anterior cruciate ligament tear, or patellofemoral pain syndrome may present with knee pain, but they do not specifically cause the prominent tibial tuberosity that is typical of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Patellar tendinitis usually refers to inflammation of the tendon itself and would not show such a pronounced bony change. Anterior cruciate ligament tears typically present with other signs such as swelling and instability rather than a visible bony prominence. Patell