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Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome (Kneecap Growth Plate Pain)
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome is a growth-related overuse condition affecting the bottom of the kneecap (patella) in active adolescents aged 10-14 years - it causes localized pain and tenderness at the inferior pole of the patella from repetitive jumping and running activities causing inflammation where the patellar tendon attaches to the growing kneecap, typically resolving completely with activity modification and physiotherapy within 3-6 months as the growth plate matures.
📖What is Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome (Kneecap Growth Plate Pain)?
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome is a growth-related overuse condition affecting the bottom of the kneecap (patella) in active adolescents aged 10-14 years - it causes localized pain and tenderness at the inferior pole of the patella from repetitive jumping and running activities causing inflammation where the patellar tendon attaches to the growing kneecap, typically resolving completely with activity modification and physiotherapy within 3-6 months as the growth plate matures.
🔬What Causes It?
- Repetitive traction (pulling) of patellar tendon on inferior pole of patella during jumping and running
- Microtrauma to developing apophysis (growth center) at inferior patella in adolescents
- Rapid growth spurt combined with high sports activity causing imbalance between bone growth and tendon flexibility
- Jumping sports (basketball, volleyball, netball) causing repetitive eccentric quadriceps loading
⚠️Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Age 10-14 years (peak growth spurt period)
- Participation in jumping sports (basketball, volleyball, netball, gymnastics)
- Rapid increase in training intensity or volume
- Tight quadriceps muscles from growth spurt
- Male gender (2-3 times more common than females)
🛡️Prevention
- ✓Gradual progression of training intensity and volume (avoid rapid increases in jumping or running)
- ✓Regular quadriceps and hamstring stretching during growth spurts
- ✓Strengthen quadriceps and core muscles to support knee
- ✓Limit single-sport specialization in young athletes (cross-training reduces overuse risk)
- ✓Monitor for early symptoms and reduce activity at first sign of inferior pole pain