The Correlation between Knee Flexion Lower Range of Motion and Osgood-Schlatter's Syndrome among Adolescent Soccer Players

Aims: To evaluate the association between knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and Osgood-Schlatter syndrome among adolescent soccer players.

Study Design: Observational case-control study.

Methodology: A study group of 20 male soccer players, mean age 13.4 years (13.4±0.7) diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter syndrome and a control group of 21 healthy soccer players, mean age 13.5 years (13.5±0.9) were enrolled. The knee flexion ROM was bilaterally measured in a prone position by the Ely's test and using a digital inclinometer for angle measurement.

Results: No significant difference between groups was found as to age, height, weight and dominant leg. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher (t = 2.249; P = .03) in the study group (18.97±1.61 kg/m2) compared to the controls (17.79±1.71 kg/m2). A statistically significant (t = -2.701; P =.01) difference was found in knee flexion ROM between the symptomatic leg in the study group and the dominant leg in the controls, with a lower ROM in the study group (132.52±12.40) and (141.40±8.35) in the controls. In a logistic regression analysis, BMI and knee flexion ROM both showed a significant association with the presence of symptoms (BMI: P = .014; ROM: P = .013).

Conclusions: Proper training including stretching regime to the quadriceps muscles, with focus on the rectus femoris muscle, during the growth phase of adolescent soccer players should be considered in order to reduce OSS symptoms or even trying to prevent them.