Adolescent athlete with anterior knee pain at tibial tubercle
Recommended: Clinical diagnosis; X-ray Knee + Ultrasound for atypical / refractory is the preferred imaging study for adolescent athlete with anterior knee pain at tibial tubercle. Apophysitis of tibial tubercle in growing athletes.
Recommended study
Clinical diagnosis; X-ray Knee + Ultrasound for atypical / refractory
Apophysitis of tibial tubercle in growing athletes. Self-limited.
If the default doesn't apply
Refractory or atypical (suspect avulsion)
MRI
MRI Knee
No contrast
Watch-outs
Avulsion fracture concern
If acute severe pain after jumping injury — image for avulsion of tibial tubercle (surgical).
Pearls
- X-ray: fragmentation and swelling at tibial tuberosity; soft tissue swelling on lateral view.
- Ultrasound: tendon thickening, hypoechoic infrapatellar bursa, fragmentation.
- Treatment: activity modification, ice, stretching; resolves with skeletal maturity.