Sinding Larsen's disease

Last reviewed 01/2018

Also known as Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (SLJS), this condition can be described as apophysitis of the distal pole of the patella (1).

  • this is a traction osteochondritis of the lower pole of the patella
  • majority occurs in active adolescents aged 10 to 14 years with prevalence in boys (1)
    • during the growth spurt, inability of the tendon to keep pace with the growing tibia results in shortening and traction on the immature lower pole of the patella (1)

Typically patient presents with pain and tenderness with occasional swelling over the inferior border of the patella caused by overuse or trauma (1).

The disease lasts for 3 to 12 months. Treatment is with rest and conservative methods (1).

The disease is similar to Osgood-Schlatter's disease but occurs 1-2 years earlier.

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