Osteochondroses In Children’s Sports Practice – A Rare Case Of Van Neck–Odelberg Disease

João P. Fonseca; Pedro Figueiredo; João P.  Pinheiro

doi:10.2340/jrmcc.v5.4593

Authors

João P. Fonseca Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3223-7163
Pedro Figueiredo Depart1Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugalment of Physical and Rehablitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5064-366X
João P. Pinheiro Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8666-1819

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrmcc.v5.4593

Keywords:

Osteochondrosis, Sports, overuse injury, childhood, rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Osteochondroses are a set of conditions concerning the ossification of the developing bone. Higher intensity in sports activities can increase its occurrence in children. There is no consensus on its etiology, with multiple factors being involved. Van Neck–Odelberg disease is a rare osteochondrosis located in ischiopubic synchondrosis. Treatment is mainly conservative, with activity suspension. Addressing and correcting the predisposing factors is crucial to these injuries.
Case report: We present a case of a 6-year-old futsal player who experienced mechanical inguinal moderate pain during sports practice. After performing physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographic evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with Van Neck–Odelberg disease. Sports activities were suspended while a conservative treatment was performed, with subsequent follow-up over 3.5 years. No symptom recurrence was reported.
Conclusion: Increased intensity of sports activities is associated with overuse injuries in children, especially before completing the ossification process. Preventive measures must remain the primary concern in children’s sports practice.

LAY ABSTRACT
Osteochondroses are a group of disorders that affect normal bone growth. The cause for these disorders is not well understood, involving different factors. Osteochondroses can occur in children’s sports practice, affecting performance or even leading to its abandonment. Van Neck–Odelberg disease is one of these disorders that affects a temporary joint located in the inguinal area and that only exists during childhood. This paper presents a case and respective follow-up of a 6-year-old futsal player diagnosed with Van Neck–Odelberg disease. This paper also reviews the possible contributing factors, differential diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive measures.