Conservative Management of Knee Pain Associated With a Benign Femoral Osteochondroma in a Youth Athlete: A Case Report

Objective: The purpose of this case report is to describe the conservative treatment of a patient with musculoskeletal knee pain associated with a benign femoral osteochondroma.

Clinical Features: An 11-year-old boy with acute left knee pain for 1 week's duration presented for chiropractic evaluation. He attributed the pain to nontraumatic provocation during football and a pre-existing benign osteochondroma located in his left femoral epiphysis. He had pain throughout his posteromedial knee and distal thigh, attributed to acute irritation of the surrounding adductor and medial hamstring musculature. His orthopedic surgeon had recommended delaying surgical excision. The patient presented for conservative pain management to continue participating in football.

Intervention And Outcome: A trial of conservative care was performed for 3 visits throughout 6 days. It consisted of therapeutic exercise in the form of end-range isometric exercises and gentle manual therapy, with self-management strategies including Kinesio Taping and cryotherapy. After 3 visits the patient's acute pain declined and his function and ranges of motion returned to baseline, which allowed him to continue participating in youth football unrestricted.

Conclusion: A young athlete with knee pain, likely associated with a distal femoral osteochondroma, was managed with a short course of chiropractic care. The patient was able to continue participating in youth football and required no further care.