Course Description:

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (SLJS) is a traction injury in preadolescent and adolescent athletes involving the patellar ligament as it attaches onto the inferior patella. Patients typically complain of anterior knee pain and tenderness to palpation over the inferior pole of the patella. Similar to Osgood-Schlatter syndrome, it is believed to occur in the period of growth and development prior to completion of skeletal maturity, where the inferior pole of the patella is unable to withstand excessive tensile forces from the patellar ligament. The condition is commonly seen in physically active boys aged 10-13 years, though girls are also susceptible when they are physically involved in sports. Symptoms of SLJS are aggravated by activities involving squatting, kneeling, jumping, and running. Standard treatment follows a conservative approach in which activity modification, pain management, and strength and flexibility issues are addressed. In severe cases, a short period of knee immobilization is considered; surgery is rare. Fortunately, most cases resolve with conservative treatment.