Video Explanation: Anterior Knee Pain – What Parents Need to Know

Anterior knee pain is one of the most frequent causes of orthopaedic visits in adolescents, especially those active in sports. It includes several conditions, including patellofemoral syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson. **Patellofemoral syndrome:** The kneecap (patella) slides in a "groove" on the front of the femur. Muscle imbalances, ligament laxity, or anatomical abnormalities can cause patellar "maltracking," with pain in front of the knee, especially when climbing/descending stairs or sitting for long periods. **Osgood-Schlatter:** This is an apophysitis of the anterior tibial tuberosity (the "bump" below the knee), common between ages 10 and 15. The patellar tendon pulls on the growth cartilage, causing pain and sometimes visible swelling. It mainly affects those practicing sports with jumping and sprinting. **Sinding-Larsen-Johansson:** Similar to Osgood-Schlatter, but located at the lower pole of the patella. This is also a growth-related apophysitis. **The good news:** All these conditions are growth-related and tend to resolve spontaneously with skeletal maturation. Treatment is conservative: relative rest, physical therapy for muscle strengthening, quadriceps and hamstring stretching. **Sports shouldn't be abandoned:** In most cases, with appropriate adaptations (load reduction, adequate warm-up, specific exercises), young people can continue sports activity. The important thing is to listen to pain and not push through it.