Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies are not indicated unless other diagnoses are being evaluated. Preoperative investigations are requested as required.

Imaging Studies

Radiography of the knee is the main imaging study. Findings are diagnostic of the condition. The tibial tubercle (tuberosity) is imaged on a lateral radiograph with the leg in slight internal rotation. Oblique views of the proximal tibia may help reveal the extent of the fracture. Radiographs of the contralateral knee may show evidence of Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Other forms of imaging are not performed routinely; they are requested as required if alternative diagnoses are being considered.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Ossification centers and epiphyseal cartilages of the proximal tibia and tibial tuberosity.
Classification of tibial tuberosity fractures.

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Author

Kelvin Lau, BM, BCh, MA, MRCS, DPhil, FRCS(CTh) Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, UK

Kelvin Lau, BM, BCh, MA, MRCS, DPhil, FRCS(CTh) is a member of the following medical societies: Royal College of Surgeons of England

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Manoj Ramachandran, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Barts and the London NHS Trust; Honorary Senior Lecturer, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary's, University of London, UK

Manoj Ramachandran, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS is a member of the following medical societies: British Orthopaedic Association

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Orthopediatrics, Inc<br/>Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Orthopediatrics, Inc<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Orthopediatrics, Inc.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Chief Editor

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine; Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Faculty of Sports Medicine Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine; Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, UT Health San Antonio; Consulting Surgeon, Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy and Reconstruction of the Knee, Hip and Shoulder

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Clinical Orthopaedic Society, Herodicus Society, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Arthrex, Inc.; MTF; Aesculap; Conmed; JRF<br/>Received research grant from: Arthrex, Inc.; MTF.

Additional Contributors

Robert D Bronstein, MD Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Division of Athletic Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine

Robert D Bronstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Medical Society of the State of New York

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Drugs & Diseases gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous coauthor Dr Fergal Monsell to the development and writing of this article.