Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome

What is Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome?

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease (SLJ) belongs to the family of osteochondrosis and like Osgood Schlatter disease it is characterized by knee pain.

It is an inflammation of the distal pole of kneecap due repetitive stress on the patellar tendon

SLJ Causes

When the child straighten legs, the quadriceps pull on the patellar tendon putting stress on the growth plate at the bottom of the kneecap. During a period of rapid growth, as the bones grows muscles and tendons can become stretched.

If the muscle growth don’t keep up with the lengthening of femur this increase the strain on the patellar tendon and on the growth plate.

Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome mainly affects active children between the ages of 10-14 who practice sports that require a lot of jumping or running.

Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome Symptoms

SLJ symptoms may include:

• localised pain at the front of the keen or at inferior pole of the kneecap (patella)
• swelling around the knee cap
• pain that worsens with exercise and activities like jumping, climbing, running, climbing stair, squatting

Pain may be unilateral or bilateral and decreases with rest.

Sinding Larsen Johansson Diagnosis

During physical examination the doctor will check the knee for swelling or tenderness and ask about the child medical history and sport activity.

Rarely knee X-ray or MRI scan may be suggested to exclude other problems such as injuries or infection.

SLJ treatment

Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome may include:

• partial or total rest from any activity that impact on the knee
• Ice
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Stretching exercises
• Instrumental PT (physiotherapy) as laser, tecar etc

One must be aware that SLJ syndrome might not completely resolve until the bones have fully matured and the patella growth plate is completely closed.