Direct bursoscopic ossicle resection in young and active patients with unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of bursoscopic ossicle excision in young and active patients with unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease. METHODS This retrospective study included 18 male military recruits. A direct bursoscopic ossicle excision was performed using low anterolateral and low anteromedial portals. Outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm knee score, pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS) (from 0 to 10), and Tegner activity scale score. In addition, patients were asked whether they could kneel or squat and whether they were able to return to their duty after surgery. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the VAS and by asking whether patients thought that the prominence of the tibial tuberosity was reduced and whether they would recommend the same surgical treatment to others. Complications after surgery were also evaluated. RESULTS The mean Lysholm knee score was 71 preoperatively and improved to 99 after surgery. The mean VAS pain score was 6.5 in the preoperative period and decreased to 0.9 after surgery. In addition, the mean Tegner activity scale score improved from 2.7 preoperatively to 6.2 at final follow-up. However, 4 patients were not able to return to their duty, and 4 patients still had difficulties with kneeling after surgery. A superficial infection occurred in 1 patient, and a recurrent ossicle formation was found in 1 patient. Of 18 patients, 17 were satisfied with their surgical outcomes, and the mean VAS score for patient satisfaction was 8.8. Furthermore, all but 1 patient would recommend the same surgical treatment to others. However, 6 patients did not believe that the prominence of the tibial tuberosity was reduced. CONCLUSIONS Bursoscopic ossicle excision showed satisfactory outcomes in selective young and active patients with persistent symptoms. However, bursoscopic surgery showed limitation in reducing the prominence of the tibial tuberosity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.