Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome

Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Evidence-based Practice project. This space has been created by and for the students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editor - Andrew Klaehn, Yelena Gesthuizen

Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.  Read more.

Definition/Description

The Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome (SLJ) is an osteochondroses and traction epiphysitis affecting the extensor mechanism of the knee. SLJ occurs at the inferior pole of the patella, at the superior attachment of the patella tendon. The tenderness of the inferior pole of the patella is usually accompanied by roentgen graphic evidence of splintering of that pole. Most patients with SLJ also show a calcification at the inferior pole of the patella.

The syndrome usually appears in adolescence, during the growth spurt. It’s associated with localized pain which is worsened by exercise. Usually we observe a localized tenderness and soft tissue swelling. There’s also a tightness of the surrounding muscles, the quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius in particular. This tightness usually results in inflexibilities of the kneejoint, altering the stress through the patellofemoral joint.