I took Robin to an orthopedist yesterday. The doc referred us a couple weeks ago because he'd been having knee pain for about 6 months now and the x-rays they'd had taken showed abnormalities. The ortho doc said Robin has two problems. One is in both knees and is called osgood-schlatter disease. Apparently it's pretty typical for teens and not really a concern. The other thing is in his right knee only and is called osteochondritis dissecans. Another typical thing for teens, but could be potentially more serious. The doc said normally he'd recommend casting the knee, but in our case he said that wouldn't be a good idea (Robin's uncooperative). He said if it gets worse or the piece of bone that's basically hanging in there detaches, Robin will be in a LOT of pain, his knee will swell tremendously and Robin will limit himself at that point. Then we'll be looking at surgery. But, he said he has a dd just like Robin (same dx) and if it were him he'd just leave it alone and hope it heals on it's own (possibility). Robin's knees don't bother him enough to interfere with normal daily activities, but he hasn't been to karate since December and says he doesn't want to go back. Part from just getting bored with it, but he did say some of the stuff we do hurts his knees. We'll see what happens.

If it's not one thing with this kid, it's another...

By Jewlz on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 05:25 pm:

I feel for Robin .I had osgood schlatter disease in both of my knees to the extent I was exscused from PE for 4 years and i couldnt hardly get around. Ben gay heating pads and keepin them elevated is what helped me at the time and tylenol ...tho this was early 70's. I hope this heals soon for him and he isnt in pain much longer. as u said if its not one thing its another.

By Luvn29 on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 06:19 pm:

Awww. Poor kid. I think it's probably best in his case to see what happens, too. I sure hope it takes care of itself.

By Texannie on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 07:31 pm:

My daughter has it in one knee. It bothered her badly last year, but hasn't been a problem at all this year. I might take a wait and see position too.

By Nicki on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 01:05 am:

I'm so sorry, Cat. I hope Robin will be okay. I'm sorry he's hurting. I'll keep you both in my thoughts.

By Karen~admin on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 07:40 am:

Like Jewlz, I had osgood-schlatter disease and had problems with my knees for years when I was young, and was also excused from PE throughout high shool. Jeff had osgood-schlatter disease also. I think he was in 6th grade when the orthopedist told us that.

I am not really familiar with osteochondritis dissecans though.

Sorry to hear he's having these problems. I hope things improve for him SOON!

By Colette on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 10:32 am:

My dd has osgood schlatter too, and she was forced to stop her final test for getting her black belt (the run) because of drs orders. She had physical therapy for it, but thre is really nothing they can do for it.

By Cat on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 01:30 pm:

Thanx, guys. I hope this doesn't prevent him from taking PE next year, because he really needs the outlet, but I don't want him in pain, either.

Colette, Robin got his Jr Black Belt last fall. I don't think he'll go back after a long break, though. It's too bad. He was really good at it. Oh well. He can at least say he got it.

By Eve on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 02:19 pm:

I've never heard of either, so no help from me, but many ((HUGS.))

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 05:15 pm:

I'm sorry he's having some trouble. I hope it doesn't keep him out of gym class.